The Federal Government on Tuesday unveiled the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project, tagged SPIN, as part of efforts to provide sustainable power for irrigation and hydropower to boost national food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The project, supported by the World Bank with a financing package of $500m, is also designed to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience to floods, droughts and climate variability.
Speaking during the flag-off in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, said the initiative places strong emphasis on food security, economic resilience and sustainable infrastructure development.
“The Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project represents a major strategic intervention by the Federal Government with the objective of strengthening dam safety and the management of water resources for improved irrigation and hydropower to contribute more effectively to national food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability,” he said.
Utsev added that the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises food security, economic resilience and infrastructure development.
“As you will recall, Mr President has declared a national emergency on food security, underscoring the urgent need to transform Nigeria’s agricultural production systems and ensure reliable access to food for all Nigerians,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, Mamman Mahmoud, who represented the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, urged members of the project steering committee to remain committed to the successful implementation of the initiative.
The SPIN project is a $500m World Bank-backed programme aimed at improving food security, boosting energy generation and strengthening climate resilience in Nigeria.
The project targets the development of 500,000 hectares of irrigated farmland and is expected to generate up to 30 gigawatts of sustainable energy while improving the country’s resilience to climate-related risks.
By modernising irrigation systems and improving dam safety, the project is expected to increase food production, create jobs and stimulate economic growth, particularly in rural communities.
