FG inaugurates committee for SPIN Project

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Steering Committee for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project, marking a major step in efforts to transform the country’s hydropower, irrigation, and water management systems.

The inauguration ceremony took place on May 9, 2025, in Abuja and brought together key government officials, development partners, and stakeholders from the agriculture, water, and power sectors. The SPIN Project, supported by World Bank financing, is central to the government’s strategy to strengthen national food, water, and energy security.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, described the SPIN Project as a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to Utsev, the project builds on the successes of the earlier Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) Project, which rehabilitated over 32,000 hectares of irrigation infrastructure and enhanced local governance through Water User Associations (WUAs).

“The SPIN Project will scale up modern irrigation systems, improve dam safety, and strengthen power infrastructure, particularly in rural and climate-sensitive regions,” Utsev said. He outlined four key components of the initiative: institutional strengthening, irrigation modernization, dam safety improvements, and effective project management.

Utsev also announced that 17 states have met the eligibility requirements, including enacting Water User Association laws and committing to counterpart funding, positioning them to benefit from federal or state-managed irrigation schemes.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo A. Adelabu—represented by Permanent Secretary Mahmud Mamman—highlighted the hydropower aspect of SPIN as a strategic pathway to attract private investment into Nigeria’s renewable energy sector. Adelabu emphasized the importance of hydropower in supporting the country’s clean energy transition and economic growth.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity through reliable irrigation and power supply. He also expressed appreciation to the World Bank for its support and urged other development partners to join in advancing the project’s success.

The SPIN Project Steering Committee at the federal level is chaired by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, with the Minister of Power as co-chair. Other members include the Ministers of Environment, Finance, and Budget and Economic Planning. At the state level, the committee will include state commissioners of agriculture or water resources from participating states. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation will serve as secretary.