Nigeria launches US$500M irrigation programme backed by World Bank
The government plans to expand irrigation, improve dam safety, and support steady farm production across the country.
NIGERIA – Nigeria has started a major irrigation and water management programme worth US$500 million with support from the World Bank, as the country seeks to reduce heavy reliance on rain for farming and improve food production.
On March 10, Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, announced the launch of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project. The initiative will support irrigation growth, improve dam safety, and expand sustainable energy generation.
Nigeria’s farm sector plays a major role in the national economy. It contributes about 25 percent to GDP and employs roughly 34 percent of the workforce. Yet most farms still depend on rainfall, which often leads to unstable harvests when weather patterns change.
“The initiative will help Nigeria transition from rain-fed agriculture to climate-resilient irrigation systems that can support year-round agricultural production with effective monitoring and management,” said Utsev.
Project scope
The government plans to use part of the funding to rehabilitate around 40,000 hectares of irrigated land. Authorities will also strengthen water resource management and improve the operation of dams and other water systems.
The programme will also support stronger institutions that oversee irrigation and water use.
Saroj Kumar Jha, Global Director of the Water Department at the World Bank Group, said the project will support broader improvements in the sector.
“The SPIN project will further strengthen irrigation development, improve water management institutions, promote hydropower development, and attract private sector investment in irrigation and agriculture value chains,” he said.
The government also plans to involve farmers in the management and upkeep of irrigation systems. Officials believe that farmer participation will help keep the systems working well over time.
Authorities expect the project to benefit about 950,000 people, including farmers, herders, and rural households.
Large irrigation gap
Nigeria still uses only a small share of its irrigation potential. The government aims to expand irrigated land to 500,000 hectares by 2030.
Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization shows that about 331,000 hectares had irrigation equipment in 2023. Yet official figures indicate the country holds about 3.14 million hectares of land suitable for irrigation, which means less than 20 percent of that capacity is currently in use.
Improving irrigation also links to Nigeria’s push to increase domestic food production, especially for crops such as rice.
Food imports remain high. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Nigeria imported food worth about US$5.59 billion per year on average between 2021 and 2023. Major imports include wheat, rice, edible oils, and sugar.
Officials believe stronger irrigation systems will help boost local output and reduce the country’s dependence on imported food.
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