Water Ministry Strengthens Collaboration to Drive Food Security, Agricultural Transformation

Published By Ayshatu S Rabo On Jul 23, 2026

Water Ministry Strengthens Collaboration to Drive Food Security, Agricultural Transformation

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has pledged to strengthen collaboration with other government ministries and stakeholders to support food security, job creation, economic growth and national development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, 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 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

The meeting was organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with development partners.

Prof. Utsev emphasised the need for a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach to achieving sustainable agricultural transformation, improved food production and economic development. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing the necessary water infrastructure to support all-year-round agricultural activities across the country.

The Minister highlighted ongoing efforts by the ministry to expand irrigation-based agriculture through the development and rehabilitation of dams, reservoirs, irrigation networks and groundwater systems. He also noted ongoing initiatives in flood management, climate resilience and ecosystem protection.

While aligning with the objectives of the Kampala Declaration, which seeks to transform Africa’s agrifood systems, Prof. Utsev called for stronger integration of water resource planning into agricultural investment programmes.

He advocated increased investment in climate-smart irrigation, rainwater harvesting, watershed restoration, resilient water infrastructure, improved hydrological monitoring, early warning systems and climate information services to assist farmers in making informed decisions.

According to the Minister, water remains the foundation of agricultural development, stressing that increased private-sector participation in water infrastructure is essential to expanding food production and improving livelihoods.

He noted that the 12 River Basin Development Authorities and other agencies under the ministry would continue to work with private-sector partners to unlock Nigeria’s agricultural potential and create economic opportunities for millions of citizens.

The briefing also featured presentations by other government officials, including the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; and Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, among others.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to building a resilient agricultural sector through stronger partnerships, improved infrastructure and sustainable management of the country’s water resources.