Initiative aims to strengthen dam safety, expand irrigation and enhance food security across Nigeria….
The Federal Government on Tuesday officially launched the $500 million Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project, a major initiative supported by the World Bank to boost agricultural productivity, improve water resource management and increase hydropower generation.
The project was flagged off in Abuja by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, who described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at improving dam safety and expanding irrigation infrastructure across the country.
Utsev, who also chairs the SPIN Project Steering Committee, said the programme is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s water governance systems while supporting food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability.
“Today’s flag-off represents much more than the launch of a development project,” he said. “It marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s efforts to modernize irrigation, strengthen water governance, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve the livelihoods of millions of farmers.”
Strengthening irrigation and water management
According to the minister, the SPIN project will introduce modern irrigation technologies, improved dam management systems and stronger institutional frameworks to increase agricultural productivity and help farmers adapt to climate-related challenges.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which places priority on food security, economic resilience and infrastructure development.
Utsev noted that the government’s declaration of a national emergency on food security highlights the urgency of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural production system.
“With increasing climate variability, erratic rainfall and rising food demand driven by population growth, Nigeria must move beyond dependence on rain-fed agriculture,” he said. “We must invest in modern, climate-resilient irrigation systems.”
Key components of the SPIN project
The programme will focus on four major areas:
- Institutional strengthening and capacity building for water resource management
- Modernisation of irrigation infrastructure
- Improved dam operations and safety systems
- Project management and coordination to ensure transparency and accountability
Officials say these components will help increase agricultural output while also supporting hydropower development.
Collaboration across sectors
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mahmuda Mamman, emphasised the need for strong collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
He noted that effective coordination between water and energy sectors is crucial to achieving the project’s objectives.
Building on previous irrigation reforms
The Country Director of the World Bank for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, said the initiative reflects the importance of water, food and energy security as key pillars of sustainable economic growth.
Verghis explained that the SPIN programme builds on the achievements of the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria Project (TRIMING), which previously focused on improving irrigation management systems in the country.
Under the new programme, about 14,000 hectares of irrigated farmland will be rehabilitated, while efforts will also be made to attract private sector investment in irrigation infrastructure.
Improving dam infrastructure
Also speaking at the event, the World Bank’s Global Director for Water, Saroj Kumar Jha, highlighted the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s water storage systems.
He noted that Nigeria currently has more than 400 dams, many of which require rehabilitation to improve their ability to manage floods, droughts and other climate-related challenges.
According to him, improving dam infrastructure will play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s water security and agricultural resilience.
The SPIN project is expected to significantly expand irrigation capacity, support power generation and improve water resource management as Nigeria seeks to modernise its agricultural sector and ensure long-term food security.
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