…inspects Makurdi irrigation project

…says FG activating dams’ hydropower components to boost energy supply

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA- THE Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, weekend, disclosed 3,000 hectares of land allocated for dry season farming to boost food production.

Utsev made this known while on inspection of Makurdi Irrigation Project under the Lower Benue River Basin Authority, in the bid of up-scaling food with sustainable irrigation projects executed by the Tinubu-led administration to combat hunger.

According to the Minister, 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, which he also explained that to support these efforts, the government has awarded contracts for the construction of irrigation channels, drip irrigation systems, and the expansion of existing irrigation farms.

Meanwhile, he made it known that the Ministry was also working on activating the hydropower components of various dams across the country to boost energy supply, while speaking on the ongoing work at the Otukpo multipurpose water dam, which has reached an advanced stage and will be completed in 2025.

The acting Managing Director, Lower Benue River Basin Authority, Aondohemba Udu, represented by Sylvanus Apav, in a remark acknowledged the Ministry’s support for the initiative.

Also speaking on behalf of the contractors handling the projects, Orje Torher, assured that all projects would be completed according to specifications and within the stipulated time-frame.

Mr. Christopher Senegh, who represented the host community of Mbaku, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the laudable project, which 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 well.

As part of the inspection tour, the Minister (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, which the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance agricultural productivity and rural development.