The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening inter-ministerial collaboration to accelerate food security, reduce poverty, create jobs and promote economic growth in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made the commitment during a High-Level Briefing on the Draft Nigeria Strategy and Action Plan for the Implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration (2026–2035), held in Abuja.
Utsev said achieving sustainable agricultural transformation, food security and economic growth requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach, stressing that his ministry remains committed to providing the water resources needed to support year-round agricultural production across the country.
He said the ministry is expanding existing dams and reservoirs, developing irrigation infrastructure, harnessing groundwater resources, strengthening flood risk management and protecting ecosystems to boost irrigated agriculture and increase food production.
The minister in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Terhemen Oraduen, also advocated greater integration of water resources planning into national agricultural investment programmes in line with the objectives of the Kampala Declaration, which seeks to transform Africa's agrifood systems.
He called for increased investment in climate-smart irrigation, rainwater harvesting, watershed restoration, resilient water infrastructure, improved hydrological monitoring, early warning systems and climate information services to help farmers make informed decisions.
According to Utsev, water remains the foundation of agricultural development, adding that greater private sector investment in water infrastructure is essential to unlocking the country's agricultural potential.
He noted that the 12 River Basin Development Authorities and other agencies under the ministry would continue to partner with the private sector to enhance food production and improve the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
The event also featured presentations by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha; and other ministers.