FG launches ‘Irrigate Nigeria’ to boost year-round farming, farmers’ income
The Federal Government has officially launched the Irrigate Nigeria Project, an initiative designed to transform the nation’s agricultural sector through sustainable irrigation systems.
The program, spearheaded by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF), commenced at the weekend in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Speaking at the launch on Saturday, March 1, 2025, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, emphasized that the project aims to increase farmers’ income by enabling year-round farming.
He noted that improved irrigation would allow farmers to extend their farming cycles beyond the rainy season, thereby boosting productivity and ensuring food security.
“The Irrigate Nigeria Project is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is focused on empowering farmers by providing access to centralized irrigation systems,” Halilu stated. “This will significantly enhance agricultural output, reduce food prices, and strengthen Nigeria’s food supply chain.”
The initiative’s pilot phase has commenced on a 10-hectare farm in Gamawa under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. According to Halilu, the program’s sustainability is anchored on four key components:
- Deployment of centralized irrigation systems to support farming clusters in participating communities.
- Provision of enhanced agricultural inputs, including improved seeds, fertilizers, and technical support.
- A commercial model ensuring financial viability while protecting farmers from undue financial burdens.
- A structured repayment system, where farmers contribute portions of their harvests—such as rice paddy—towards a strategic food reserve, which will help stabilize market prices and support exports.
Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, lauded the Federal Government for selecting Gamawa as the project’s launch site, describing the initiative as a significant step towards food security and economic empowerment.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with Bauchi State’s efforts to expand irrigation farming and reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture,” the governor said. “It is not just about farming—it is about ensuring national stability, economic growth, and sustainable agricultural development.”
Dr. Mohammed Dahiru, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), underscored the importance of private sector participation in the project. He noted that past government-funded agricultural programs had failed due to a lack of sustainable financial structures.
“The Irrigate Nigeria Project is structured as a Public-Private Partnership to ensure long-term success. Unlike past initiatives that relied solely on government or donor funding, this project involves private sector investment, which guarantees efficiency and accountability,” Dahiru explained.
With its launch in Bauchi State, the project will be gradually expanded to other parts of the country under NASENI and RHIDF’s supervision.
