By Osaretin Osadebamwen
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Terlumun Ustev has called on investors in the agric-business to invest heavily on climate- smart infrastructure.
Prof. Ustev said such investment in rainwater harvesting, watershed restoration and resilient water infrastructure would enhance all year round agricultural sustainability.
This is contained in a statement signed by Terhemen Oraduen, Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation.
According to the statement Professor Ustev “called for greater investment in climate- smart irrigation, rainwater harvesting, watershed restoration and resilient water infrastructure as well as improved hydrological monitoring, early warning systems and climate information services to support farmer’s decision making.“
Prof. Ustev who made this call to the business investors in the sector said the ministry of water resources is open and committed to collaborations that would enhance food security in line with its mandate.
The minister pointed out that such efficient collaboration with the line Ministries would translate into job creation, boost agricultural production and guarantee sustainable food security.
Ustev said this is the whole essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda programme of the incumbent administration.
He said this at the High Level Briefing on the Draft Nigeria Strategy and Action Plan for the Implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration 2026-2035).
The programme was organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and other development partners and held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Prof Utsev underscored the importance of a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to achieving sustainable agriculture transformation, food security and economic growth.
He further reaffirmed the commitment of his ministry to providing the water resources required to support year-round agriculture in the country.
Highlighting the ongoing efforts to scale up food production through irrigated agriculture, Prof. Utsev said his ministry is developing and expanding the existing dams and reservoirs, expanding irrigation infrastructure and ground water as well as flood and risk management, ecosystem protection among others.
While aligning with the Kampala Declaration aimed at transforming Africa’s agrifood systems, the Minister advocated a stronger integration of water resources planning into national agricultural investment programmes .
Prof. Utsev who emphasised that water remains the foundation for agriculture development, stressed the need for private sector investment in water infrastructure, noting that, the twelve River Basin Development Authorities across the country and other agencies under his ministry will continue to work closely with the private sector to increase food production and add value to the lives of millions of Nigerians.
In attendance for the high-level engagements and national validation sessions for the Draft Nigeria Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) under the CAADP Kampala Declaration are stakeholders from government, development organizations, and the private sector.
Honourable Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security Senator Abubakar Kyari, that of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Livestock Development Alh. Idi Muktar among other ministers.
