The Federal Government has launched the Irrigate Nigeria Project in Gamawa, Bauchi State, under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF), aiming to transform the country’s agricultural sector.
The project, unveiled by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, seeks to modernize agriculture, enhance food security, and drive economic growth. Announcing the initiative on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Tuggar highlighted its potential to address key agricultural challenges through sustainable irrigation solutions.
The project is designed to enable year-round farming by reducing dependence on seasonal rainfall, boost food production to stabilize prices, and creating jobs in agriculture and agribusiness. It also promotes climate-friendly irrigation practices to mitigate water scarcity while strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chain to support economic diversification.
With over 35% of Nigeria’s workforce engaged in agriculture, unpredictable rainfall and climate change have significantly hindered productivity. The country spends over $10 billion annually on food imports, underscoring the urgent need to improve domestic production. Expanding irrigation is expected to increase crop yields by over 50%, strengthening food security and reducing import reliance.
Bauchi serves as the pilot phase of the project, with plans for nationwide expansion. The Federal Government has called for collaboration among government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities to ensure its success and sustainability. Experts believe the initiative could redefine Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and reinforce the country’s commitment to self-sufficiency and economic growth.
