By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA -AS curtains close on the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage, ARCID 2025, in Abuja, yesterday, African countries have been urged to drive inclusive participation and climate-resilient irrigation solutions with with renewed investment and regional cooperation to transform Africa’s irrigation and water resource management landscape.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, represented by the Director of Reforms Coordination, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Moses Jo-Madugu, commended participants for their commitment and contributions throughout the conference.

The conference closed with a shared resolution from stakeholders across Africa to enhance irrigation infrastructure, invest in youth and women, and foster regional cooperation to strengthen agricultural resilience and water security across the continent.

The closing ceremony, which marked the formal close of the conference, also featured presentation of awards to distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to the water sector.

Utsev said: “It gives me great pleasure to address you again today as we come to the close of this highly engaging and impactful session. We have witnessed a gathering of minds—policymakers, experts, practitioners, and partners—united by a shared vision of transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape.”

He also maintained that Nigeria’s commitment to agricultural transformation through sustainable irrigation systems, enhanced water governance, and strong partnerships, therefore, the Minister urged participants to take home a renewed commitment to collaboration, innovation, and equitable access to water resources.

Meanwhile, the Minister also appreciated the presence and contributions of delegates from across Africa, highlighting Nigeria’s readiness to support initiatives that promote regional development and sustainable agriculture.

During the closing ceremony, the Director, Irrigation and Drainage at the Federal Ministry and Chairperson of the Nigerian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (NINCID), Engr Oyeronke Oluniyi, highlighted the central role of youth and women in driving progress in irrigated agriculture.

“The level of participation and innovation brought by young professionals was impressive. They are no longer just learners—they are ready to lead”, she said.

She also noted that delegates from six African countries participated in a pre-conference youth forum, which fostered networking and introduced fresh perspectives during the main sessions.

A special field visit to an irrigation site in Nasarawa State provided participants with real-world insights into opportunities and challenges in irrigation development.

She (Oluniyi) also praised the dedicated session on women in irrigated agriculture, where two female farmers from Jigawa and Zamfara States shared powerful stories of transformation, proving that with support, women can become catalysts for change in their communities.

The President, International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, ICID, Dr Marco Arcieri, described the conference as a milestone for the continent and emphasized the need for greater collaboration and networking to tackle water scarcity and food insecurity.

“This conference will leave a lasting impact. From here, we must strengthen cooperation and improve coordination to meet our shared development goals”, Arcieri said.

The Co-Chair of the 6th ARCID
Task Team, Engr Inuwa Kuta Musa who represented the Chairman of the African Regional Working Group at the event, reiterated the urgency of scaling up action in the face of climate change and growing food demand, and stressed that sustainable year-round food production depends on prioritizing effective irrigation systems.

In another remark, a former Managing Director of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority,
Engr Razaq Jimoh, emphasized the need to focus on year-round food production as a key to ending poverty.

“We cannot break the cycle of poverty by farming for just four months a year. The only viable solution is to produce food throughout the year—and that requires functional irrigation systems”, Jimoh said.