News in brief:
– The federal government of Nigeria partners with EGTA Investment Ltd. to enhance food production through improved irrigation and dam infrastructure.
– This collaboration aims to boost food security, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth, with a focus on simple, cost-effective solutions for smallholder farmers.
The federal government recently announced a partnership with EGTA Investment Ltd to bolster food security in Nigeria. This collaboration aims to enhance food production by developing irrigation systems and dam facilities nationwide.
The Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, revealed the agreement during a meeting with the outgoing Egyptian Defense Attaché, Staff Brigadier General Ahmed Fouad Ibrahim, and his successor, Staff Colonel Muhammad Ibrahim. They were joined by the Group Managing Director of EGTA Investment Limited, Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, and the President of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Aminu Muhammed.
Focus on irrigation and dam infrastructure
The discussions focused on enhancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security agenda through improved irrigation and dam infrastructure. Goronyo highlighted the potential benefits of this initiative, including increased food production, job creation, and economic growth.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, the Group Managing Director of EGTA Investment Ltd., emphasized the importance of using simple and cost-effective irrigation techniques to support smallholder farmers. These techniques are crucial for empowering farmers and ensuring the sustainability of agricultural projects.
Sustainable and tailored irrigation methods
Engr. Oyeronke Oluniyi, the Director of Irrigation and Drainage at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, stressed the need for tailored irrigation methods. Tailored irrigation involves customising irrigation systems to meet the specific needs of different crops and regions, considering operational costs and providing farmer training for sustainable outcomes.
She also highlighted the importance of Water Users Associations and the Triming Project. Water Users Associations are groups of farmers who work together to manage and maintain irrigation systems while the Triming Project (Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria) aims to improve the performance of irrigation systems, ensuring efficient water use and better crop yields.
Engr. Ali Dallah, the Director of Dams and Reservoirs, emphasised the crucial role of national dam infrastructure in supporting new agricultural projects, known as Greenfield projects. Greenfield projects refer to initiatives that are started from scratch, with no previous work to build on.
The meeting reflects a shared commitment to advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector and overall economic development. By leveraging irrigation and dam infrastructure, this partnership promises to provide significant benefits for Nigerian farmers and contribute to global food security efforts.
