FIC REPORT (IMO STATE) – The Federal Government, through the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA), has handed over a 50-hectare-capacity irrigation equipment to the Imo State Government as part of efforts to strengthen food security, expand agricultural production and promote commercial farming in the state.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Authority’s Headquarters in Owerri, the Managing Director, Rt. Hon. Anthony Emeka Nduka, who was represented by the Executive Director, Agric Services, Barr. Noble Ojigwe, stated that the equipment distribution was part of the Federal Government’s food security intervention across the five South-East states within the area of coverage of AIRBDA.
The Managing Director noted that the irrigation equipment comprises systems with capacities to cover 40 and 50 hectares of farmland, with Imo State receiving the larger, 50-hectare-capacity system.
He said the decision to commence the release of the equipment with Imo State was informed by its position as the Authority’s host state, citing the importance of the state’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as a key stakeholder in the implementation of the Federal Government’s agricultural programmes.
According to him, the irrigation facility is expected to play a strategic role in boosting agricultural productivity, supporting commercial agriculture and increasing the capacity of farmers to produce food throughout the year.
The Managing Director further explained that as the irrigation supported agribusiness activities become established, an agreed percentage of the proceeds would be remitted to the Federal Government through the Federal Government’s Single Treasury Account, noting that such remittances would demonstrate the sustainability of the programme and the productive utilisation of the Federal Government’s investment.
He urged the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, who was on hand with his team to receive the equipment, to ensure that it was put to maximum use, assuring that AIRBDA’s engineering team would work closely with the Imo State Government and its agricultural team to ensure proper installation, maintenance and optimal utilisation of the equipment.
Speaking also, the Deputy Director, Agric Engineering, AIRBDA, Engr. Udemezue, explained that the equipment is a one-boom sprinkler irrigation system, which is a fast and flexible irrigation system that can be easily installed and uninstalled according to the agricultural requirements of the designated farmland, provided there is adequate availability of water.
Engr. Udemezue identified electricity supply as one of the major challenges affecting irrigation and agricultural production, explaining that the facility could be powered through the national grid or alternative renewable energy sources.
In his response, the Imo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), Hon. Longers Anyanwu, who represented the state government, expressed appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the initiative describing it as a practical effort towards addressing food insecurity in the country.
The Commissioner described the provision of the irrigation facility as an important intervention capable of expanding agricultural production, supporting farmers and creating opportunities for commercially viable agriculture in Imo State.
He also appreciated the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, for his commitment to agriculture and food security, noting that the state government had renewed its determination to give greater attention to food production and ensure adequate food availability in the state.
The Commissioner gave assurances that the state government would collaborate with AIRBDA to ensure that the facility is properly deployed, maintained and utilised for the benefit of farmers and the people of Imo State.
Speaking also, the Director of Agriculture, Imo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ibigweh Innocent, noted that the intervention would contribute not only to food availability but also to the production of safe and quality food for the people.
The handover marks a milestone in the collaboration between the Federal Government, through AIRBDA, and the Imo State Government towards strengthening agriculture production and promoting sustainable agribusiness in the state.
Present at the ceremony were the Executive Director, Agricultural Services, Barr. Noble Ojigwe; the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Hon. Priscilla Nwaebonyi; the Imo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Longers Anyanwu; and management and staff of AIRBDA and the Imo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
CHIKA ANURUNWA
ACIPRO/ANIPR
23/9/2026
