ASHENEWS reports that the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engineer Joseph Utsev has called on state governments to invest more on irrigation farming in order to boost food security.
Speaking during an official visit and tour to the Niger state Governor and the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority in Minna, Utsev said that there is need for more lands to be allocated for irrigation farming to achieve President Tinubu’s new hope agenda.
He said that the President’s new hope agenda aims to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians by focusing on job creation, economic revival, and increased food production.
Directing his pleas to the state governments whose states houses the 12 River Basins, the Minister stressed that investment in irrigation facilities will promote irrigation farming among their citizens.
The Minister also emphasized that all River Basins Authorities across the country have been instructed to align their efforts with the government’s agenda in otter to ensure food availability for both domestic consumption and export.
According to him, improving food security will not only strengthen the Nigerian economy but also enhance national security and job creation.
Regarding water resources, Utsev mentioned the availability of numerous dams awaiting potential investors adding that the Ministry possesses the necessary expertise and facilities, as partnerships are sought to effectively utilize these resources.
The Minister during his tour visited the Niger state Governor in Government House and was recieved by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba.
The Minister commended the collaboration of the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority and the Niger State government in irrigation activities and water supply.
In his address, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba welcomed the Minister’s focus on acquiring more land for irrigation, considering it a priority for the state government.
He also highlighted the underutilization of existing dams in the state, apart from power generation adding that the state government aims to tap into the potential of these dams.
Garba further seeks federal government intervention in rehabilitating some water works across the state to benefit the people of Niger State and contribute to the state’s economy.
