Abuja: The Federal Government has officially launched the Steering Committee for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, a $500 million initiative supported by the World Bank. The project aims to bolster national food security, enhance water management, and improve climate resilience through the development of large-scale multi-purpose infrastructure for irrigation and hydropower generation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the announcement was made during an inaugural meeting held in Abuja, where the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, who chairs the Steering Committee, emphasized the project’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The SPIN project builds on the success of the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, which rehabilitated approximately 32,000 hectares of irrigation schemes and empowered Water Users Associations (WUAs) nationwide.
Prof. Utsev highlighted the project’s goals, which include targeting 500,000 hectares of irrigated agriculture, producing 30 Gigawatts of sustainable energy, and enhancing resilience to climate challenges. The project’s four key components are Institutional Strengthening, Irrigation Modernisation, Dam Safety and Operational Improvements, and Effective Project Management. It will operate under two models: Model 1, focusing on federal government-managed schemes in collaboration with interested states, and Model 2, supporting state-owned irrigation schemes.
Out of 34 states that expressed interest, 27 have pledged to meet the readiness criteria, with 17 states confirmed as qualified. These states met requirements such as enacting a WUA law, allocating budgetary provisions for WUA operations, and establishing counterpart funding. The minister praised the SPIN Interim Team for their preparatory work, including field assessments and document preparation.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, described the SPIN project as timely, noting its potential to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector further. He commended the World Bank for its continued support but stressed the importance of focusing on measurable outcomes to ensure that efforts are meaningful and result-driven.
Mr Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power and co-chairman of the project, outlined the initiative’s role in optimizing Nigeria’s water resources for long-term development. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Mahmadu Mamman, Adelabu emphasized the importance of hydropower in achieving energy and food security and called for private sector investment in hydropower development.
SPIN Project Manager, Mr Ipinlaye Olaiya, stated that the World Bank-International Development Association (IDA) intervention would enhance dam safety and support hydropower and irrigation development in selected areas. He urged states to enact WUA laws to facilitate their participation in the project.
The World Bank Task Team Leader for the SPIN project, Mr Chinedu Umoru, praised the federal government’s commitment, highlighting the leadership shown by the government and its partner ministries. He expressed confidence in the project’s success and called on stakeholders to support the government’s efforts.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the inaugural meeting marks a significant step in activating the World Bank financing arrangement, with the SPIN project expected to boost Nigeria’s irrigation capacity, ensure dam safety, and revitalize rural economies in line with the country’s long-term development goals.