The Federal Government remains dedicated to strengthening Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) in public irrigation schemes as part of its strategy to ensure food security and foster economic growth, according to Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo.
This was revealed in a press statement issued by Funmi Imuetinyan, the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, on Saturday.
Speaking at the South-South Regional Workshop on the “Establishment and Strengthening of WUAs in Public Irrigation Schemes in Nigeria” held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Goronyo underscored the importance of participatory water management in preserving the nation’s irrigation infrastructure.
The minister stressed that effective irrigation is vital to combating food insecurity, spurring economic growth, reducing poverty, and empowering the youth, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
“Sustainable food production and national food security cannot be achieved without effective water management and active participation from water users. This makes the establishment and strengthening of WUAs a critical necessity,” Goronyo said.
He highlighted the success of the World Bank-funded Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, particularly its achievements in WUA development.
“The success of TRIMING demonstrates the importance of a well-structured institutional framework for irrigation management.
Under this project, WUAs have taken ownership of public irrigation schemes, safeguarding infrastructure, paying water service fees, and maintaining systems for enhanced agricultural productivity,” he added.
Goronyo emphasized the importance of replicating TRIMING’s success across other public irrigation schemes in the country, noting that the sustainability of these schemes is essential to realizing the administration’s food security goals.
“This workshop is timely, aligning with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation’s efforts to support the broader mission of this administration in ensuring food security and economic growth.
Well-structured WUAs are essential to sustaining irrigation systems, which in turn support food production and economic prosperity in Nigeria.”
The minister also lauded Oyeronke Oluniyi, Director of Irrigation and Drainage at the Ministry, for her commitment to advancing irrigation initiatives and organizing the workshop.
