The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, has launched the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project aimed at strengthening irrigation development, improving dam safety, and expanding sustainable power generation to boost food security and economic growth across states in the country.
Speaking at the official flag-off and the second meeting of the project’s Steering Committee in Abuja on Tuesday, 10th March 2026, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, said the initiative would enhance sustainable water management, agricultural productivity, and energy access nationwide.
Utsev described the SPIN Project as a flagship programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, aimed at strengthening food security, economic resilience, and infrastructure development.
According to him, the project, supported by the World Bank, will strengthen dam safety, improve water resource management, expand irrigation systems, and support hydropower generation. He added that the initiative will also help Nigeria transition from reliance on rain-fed agriculture to climate-resilient irrigation systems capable of supporting year-round farming and increased food production, alongside effective monitoring and project management.
Prof. Utsev also highlighted the role of Water Users Associations (WUAs) in ensuring participatory irrigation management, noting that farmers would participate in the operation and maintenance of irrigation facilities to guarantee sustainability.
He commended states that have already met the participation requirements and urged others to take the necessary steps to join the programme, noting that strong collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, development partners, farmers, and the private sector were crucial to achieve success.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Mnistry, Alh. Mahmouda Mamman, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the project.
He said the initiative aligns with the Tinubu administration’s priorities of strengthening food security, improving energy access, and promoting economic growth.
Adelabu added that the project would enhance dam safety, irrigation development, and hydropower generation while expanding access to reliable electricity.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Emanso Umobong, who also serves as Secretary of the Steering Committee, presented a brief report on the activities of the committee since its inauguration.
In his goodwill message, the World Bank Global Director for Water, Saroj Kumar Jha, said the project builds on the achievements of the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) Project, which reached over 1.7 million people and expanded irrigation to more than 43,000 hectares of farmland before concluding in 2025.
According to him, the SPIN Project will further strengthen irrigation development, improve water management institutions, promote hydropower development, and attract private sector investment into irrigation and agricultural value chains.
He noted that the programme aims to rehabilitate about 40,000 hectares of irrigated land while improving dam safety and water storage management across Nigeria’s more than 400 dams.
The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, said recent economic reforms by the Tinubu administration have helped stabilise the economy and positioned the country for sustainable growth and job creation.
Verghis explained that the bank’s new Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria covering 2026 to 2032 will focus on job creation, water security, food security, and energy development, while increasing engagement with state governments and mobilising private sector investment.
The National Project Coordinator for the SPIN Project, Engr. Ipinlaye Olaiya, gave a presentation on the project’s implementation progress, while the vote of thanks for the Steering Committee meeting was delivered by Engr. Mrs. Oyeronke Oluniyi, Director of Irrigation and Drainage at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
The second Steering Committee Meeting was attended by representatives of State Governors, including the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Muftwang, who was represented by his Deputy, Josephine Piyo; the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; and the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, represented by his Deputy, Manassah Daniel Jatau.
Others were, Commissioners of Water Resources and Agriculture from participating states, development partners, Chairmen and Managing Directors of River Basin Development Authorities, as well as other key stakeholders in the water sector.
Highlights of the event included the presentation and discussion of the SPIN Project’s 2026 budget and work plan, high-level discussions with the World Bank, panel sessions, and the official launch of the initiative.
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director Information and PR
10/03/2026
