Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has commended the Jigawa State Government for its commitment towards the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria SPIN project.
The Deputy Director, Department of Irrigation and Drainage Systems Engineer Hauwa Mohammed Sadiq stated this during a courtesy visit to Governor Umar Namadi when she led a delegation from the ministry as part of their assessment visit to the state.
According to her, the visit is part of the Ministry’s efforts to assess Jigawa State readiness for the SPIN project, a World Bank supported programme aimed at enhancing irrigation and power infrastructure in Nigeria.
She thanked the Jigawa State Government for its support and praised the state for meeting the necessary requirements to participate in the SPIN project, placing Jigawa second among all states in terms of preparedness.
Engineer Hauwa Sadiq also emphasized the successful inspection of the Galala Dam and its surroundings, which revealed over 2,000 hectares of land suitable for irrigation under the project.
“We are pleased to report that Jigawa State is well-prepared to participate in the SPIN project, which will officially commence on January 1, 2025,”
“This achievement is a testament to the state’s commitment, and we look forward to continuing our partnership for the development of irrigation and power infrastructure to benefit the people of Jigawa.”
She further explained that, the project’s primary focus is on improving the country’s water infrastructure, with a multi component approach aimed at modernizing irrigation systems, rehabilitating dams and expanding hydropower capabilities where feasible.
“The first component of the project is irrigation modernization. The second one is the rehabilitation of our dams, and the third one is any dam that can provide hydropower; we will develop it. We will also strengthen the capacity of the Water Users Association. We are going to build their capacity so that they will be able to understand that they are to maintain and operate the irrigation infrastructure. That is why what we are going to guide them through, we call it irrigation modernization.”
Responding, Governor Umar Namadi reaffirmed the state commitment to agriculture, which is the mainstay of the state economy, contributing 47% to Jigawa’s GDP and employing over 85% of the state’s population.
Namadi emphasized the state government’s focus on irrigation as a solution to the recurrent issue of flooding, which often devastates farmlands during the rainy season.
“The SPIN project comes at a critical time for Jigawa as we shift our focus to irrigation farming. With over 2,000 hectares ready for cultivation under this project, we aim to expand agricultural production and empower our farmers,” she said.
The Governor added that, Jigawa State is ready to partner with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and ensure that we maximize the benefits of this initiative for the prosperity of the people.
He also assured the delegation that Jigawa will continue to enhance its preparedness in order to come top at the next phase of the assessment.
Malam Umar Namadi expressed confidence that the partnership between the state and the federal government will yield positive outcomes for the state’s agricultural sector and the livelihoods of its citizens.
COV/USMAN MZ
