FG Flags Off Bela Dam Project, Launches Pilot Drip Irrigation Scheme in Kano

Published By Ayshatu S Rabo On Feb 4, 2026

FG Flags Off Bela Dam Project, Launches Pilot Drip Irrigation Scheme in Kano

The Federal Government has flagged off the Bela Dam Project and launched a pilot Kaukau Drip Irrigation Scheme in Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, marking a significant step toward strengthening sustainable water management and agricultural development.

ALSO READ: Nigeria Signs Agreement With South Korea’s AEDC to Establish Africa’s First EV Manufacturing Plant

Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony in Bela Community, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, described the project as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to boost food security, enhance climate resilience, and improve rural livelihoods.

The Minister explained that the multipurpose Bela Dam, with a storage capacity of 775,000 cubic metres, is designed to address recurring flooding while supporting irrigation, domestic water supply, fisheries, livestock production, and other agricultural activities.

According to him, the project will, upon completion, improve livelihoods, increase food production, and open up new economic opportunities for the host community, in line with the Federal Government’s broader development agenda.

“As a nation, we can transform our water resources into powerful drivers of prosperity, food sufficiency, and national development,” Utsev said, while urging residents to support the project’s successful execution and protect the facility to ensure lasting benefits.

During the visit, the Minister also launched a pilot drip irrigation scheme at Kaukau in Bichi Local Government Area and carried out the symbolic planting of crops alongside the Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, and technical directors from the Ministry—reaffirming the government’s commitment to practical, results-driven agricultural interventions.

Earlier, the Managing Director of HJRBDA, Engr. Suleiman Yusuf Bichi, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister for their bold initiatives and sustained support aimed at achieving food sufficiency and strengthening agricultural production nationwide.

Members of the Minister’s entourage included Mr. Emmanuel Agbir, representative of the Permanent Secretary; Engr. Christy Oduh, Director of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate; Engr. Mrs. Oyeronke Oluniyi, Director of Irrigation and Drainage; and Mr. Mukaila Babarinde, Director of Water Supply Services, among others.

The ceremony was attended by village heads, youths, women, and farmers from the host community.