Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening inter-ministerial collaboration as a strategic pathway to achieving food security, reducing poverty, and stimulating economic growth across Nigeria.
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made this known at 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).
The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, was organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with development partners.
Prof. Utsev emphasised that a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach remains critical to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector and ensuring sustainable food systems. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to providing adequate water resources to support all-year-round farming nationwide.
According to him, ongoing efforts to boost food production include the development and expansion of dams and reservoirs, improved irrigation infrastructure, groundwater development, as well as enhanced flood risk management and ecosystem protection.
Aligning with the Kampala Declaration’s objective of transforming Africa’s agrifood systems, the minister advocated for the integration of water resource planning into national agricultural investment frameworks. He also called for increased investments in climate-smart irrigation, rainwater harvesting, watershed restoration, and resilient water infrastructure.
Prof. Utsev further stressed the importance of improved hydrological monitoring systems, early warning mechanisms, and climate information services to aid farmers in making informed decisions.
“Water remains the foundation of agricultural development. Strengthening partnerships, especially with the private sector, is essential to expanding water infrastructure and boosting food production,” he said.
He added that the 12 River Basin Development Authorities and agencies under the ministry would continue to collaborate closely with stakeholders to enhance agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods.
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The briefing featured presentations from key government officials, including the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; and the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar, among others.
The renewed push for inter-ministerial synergy underscores the Federal Government’s broader commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to drive inclusive growth and national development.
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