By Stella Odueme
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has inspected the Makurdi Irrigation Project under the Lower Benue River Basin Authority, emphasizing that it highlights the present administration’s commitment to boosting food production through irrigation and dry-season farming to achieve food security in the country.
Briefing newsmen during the inspection tour, the minister revealed that 3,000 hectares of land have been allocated for dry-season farming, with 1,200 hectares specifically designated for irrigation purposes, while the remaining 1,800 hectares will be used for the World Bank Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project.
A statement by the Director Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan on Saturday said that the Minister said the government has awarded contracts for the construction of irrigation channels, drip irrigation systems, and the expansion of existing irrigation farms.
He added that the ministry was also working on activating the hydropower components of various dams across Nigeria to boost energy supply.
He said the ongoing work at the Otukpo multipurpose water dam has reached an advanced stage and will be completed this year.
Acting Managing Director of the Lower Benue River Basin Authority, Aondohemba Udu, represented by Mr. Sylvanus Apav, acknowledged the ministry’s support for the initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors handling the projects, Mr. Orje Torher assured that all projects would be completed according to specifications and within the stipulated timeframe.
Mr. Christopher Senegh, who represented the host community of Mbaku, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the laudable project.
He also made a passionate appeal for the provision of tractors to assist farmers in working seamlessly on their farms and called for improved security measures in the area.
As part of the inspection tour, Professor Utsev inaugurated the 1.2-kilometer Ugondo Community Access Road in Makurdi, under the supervision of the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, to improve farmers’ access to their farmlands.
This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance agricultural productivity and rural development.
