The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a $500 million initiative aimed at strengthening irrigation systems, improving dam safety, and expanding hydropower generation across the country.
The programme, known as the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, was officially launched in Abuja as part of broader efforts to enhance food production, stimulate economic growth, and improve environmental sustainability.
The initiative is being implemented with financial backing from the World Bank and is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to manage water resources while addressing the growing threats of floods, droughts, and climate variability.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, described the project as a major strategic intervention to modernise irrigation infrastructure and enhance the safety of dams across the country.
According to the minister, the SPIN project will help expand irrigation for agricultural production while improving hydropower capacity, both of which are critical to achieving long-term food security and sustainable development.
Utsev explained that the initiative will also strengthen Nigeria’s ability to respond to climate-related challenges by improving water resource management and ensuring critical infrastructure is more resilient to environmental risks.
He added that the programme aligns closely with the development priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which places strong emphasis on food security, economic resilience, and infrastructure development.
The minister recalled that the President had earlier declared a national emergency on food security, stressing the urgency of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural production systems and guaranteeing reliable food supply for citizens.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, Mamman Mahmoud, urged members of the project’s steering committee to work closely together to ensure the successful execution of the programme.
Mahmoud, who represented the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, emphasised the importance of collaboration in delivering the objectives of the initiative.
Under the SPIN project, the government plans to develop approximately 500,000 hectares of irrigated farmland across different regions of the country.
The initiative is also expected to support the generation of up to 30 gigawatts of sustainable energy while strengthening Nigeria’s resilience to climate-related risks such as flooding and prolonged drought.
By modernising irrigation systems and improving dam infrastructure, officials say the project could significantly increase food production, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic activities, particularly in rural communities that depend heavily on agriculture.
Experts believe the programme could play a crucial role in addressing Nigeria’s long-standing challenges in water management, agricultural productivity, and energy supply, while also supporting long-term environmental sustainability.
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