The Federal Government has inaugurated the Steering Committee for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, a $500 million initiative supported by the World Bank, aimed at strengthening national food security, water resource management, and climate resilience.
The project seeks to deliver large-scale infrastructure for both irrigation and hydropower generation.
At the inaugural meeting in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev—who co-chairs the committee with the Minister of Power—said the SPIN project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the minister, the initiative builds on the achievements of the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, which rehabilitated around 32,000 hectares of irrigation systems and empowered Water Users Associations (WUAs) nationwide.
“Nigeria is committed to improving its food, water, and energy security. Through this project, we are targeting 500,000 hectares of irrigated agriculture, 30 Gigawatts of sustainable energy, and enhanced resilience to floods, droughts, and climate change,” he said.
The project features four key components: Institutional Strengthening, Irrigation Modernisation, Dam Safety and Operational Improvements, and Effective Project Management.
It will be executed through two models: Model 1 focuses on federally managed schemes in collaboration with interested states, while Model 2 supports state-owned irrigation schemes.
He noted that out of 34 states that expressed interest, 27 met readiness requirements, with 17 states confirmed as qualified. These states fulfilled three conditions: passing a WUA law, allocating budget for WUA operations and maintenance, and providing counterpart funding.
The minister commended the SPIN Interim Team for its field assessments and for preparing vital documents, including the Project Appraisal, Implementation Manual, and an 18-month work plan.
He stated that the steering committee—comprising Ministers from relevant sectors and Commissioners from participating states—would serve as the project’s apex policy and decision-making body.
Earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, described the SPIN project as timely and an important continuation of the TRIMING project’s impact on agriculture.
Kyari praised the World Bank for its ongoing support but emphasised the importance of measurable outcomes.
“In every programme we implement, whether within our ministries or with international partners, we must ask: What specific results will this project deliver?” he said.
He added, “With strategic planning and the right investments, Nigeria’s growing population can become a driving force for innovation and economic progress.”
The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu—represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Mahmadu Mamman—reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable energy through hydropower.
He said the initiative marks a crucial step in optimising the country’s water resources for long-term development and confirmed the ministry’s responsibility for preparing project memos to attract private sector investment in hydropower.
“This aligns with the broader national vision that sees energy not just as a commodity, but as the foundation for growth and progress,” he added.
He also highlighted hydropower’s role in Nigeria’s energy transition, citing its benefits such as grid stability, efficiency, and synergy with renewables like solar and wind.
He encouraged the committee to stay committed and assured them of the ministry’s support in overcoming any challenges.
The World Bank Task Team Leader for SPIN, Mr Chinedu Umoru, applauded the federal government’s commitment to the project.
He said the leadership shown so far demonstrates the dedication required for successful implementation.
“With this level of commitment, I am confident the federal government will achieve the objectives of the SPIN project,” he stated.
Umoru said the project team is now fully operational and called on all stakeholders to match government efforts to ensure nationwide transformation of power and irrigation infrastructure.
Correspondent reports that the inaugural meeting satisfies a statutory requirement for activating the World Bank’s financing support.
The SPIN project is expected to enhance Nigeria’s irrigation potential, ensure dam safety, and revitalise rural economies in line with national development goals.
(NAN)
