BAUCHI, Nigeria – In an effort to tackle Nigeria’s growing food insecurity, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has launched the “Irrigate Nigeria Project” (INP), an ambitious agricultural initiative aimed at enabling year-round farming through the use of smart irrigation technologies.
The project, unveiled in Udubo, Bauchi State, envisions the development of one million hectares of irrigated farmland across the country. NASENI Executive Vice Chairman/CEO Khalil Suleiman Halilu stated that the goal is to boost food production, reduce prices, and enhance national food security by shifting Nigeria away from reliance on seasonal, rain-fed agriculture.
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The INP is built on four key pillars: centralized irrigation systems, access to quality inputs, technical support, and a sustainable repayment model through crop contributions. Farmers will repay the cost of the irrigation systems with portions of their harvests, contributing to a strategic food reserve.
The project will deploy technologies such as solar-powered water pumps and automated irrigation systems, marking a shift toward climate-smart agriculture.
NASENI aims to attract investment through public-private partnerships, create five million jobs, and promote export-driven agribusiness. The initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Food insecurity is a major challenge in Nigeria, driven by factors such as climate change, conflict, and rising food prices. The success of the INP will depend on effective implementation, access to financing, and the participation of local communities. The project represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector and could potentially transform the country’s food production capabilities
