FG Boosts Farmers’ Income as NASENI Flags Off Irrigate Nigeria Project in Bauchi

…Governor Bala Mohammed Commends President Tinubu’s Commitment to Agricultural Transformation

From left to right: the Emir of Misau, Alhaji Ahmed Suleiman; the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu; the Governor of Bauchi State, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu; and lastly, the Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Umar Faruk in a group photo at the Launching of the Irrigate Nigeria Project in Gamawa local government area, Bauchi State on Saturday, 1st March, 2025.

The Federal Government has taken a decisive step toward enhancing farmers’ income and ensuring year-round agricultural productivity with the launch of the Irrigate Nigeria Project. The initiative, spearheaded by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF), was officially flagged off over the weekend in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

Speaking at the launch, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, emphasized that the project is a core component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The initiative aims to empower farmers, increase food production, and stabilize commodity prices through a sustainable irrigation system that ensures year-round farming.

“With improved irrigation, farmers can now cultivate multiple times in a year, significantly boosting their income and reducing reliance on seasonal rainfall,” Halilu stated.

A New Era for Irrigation Farming in Nigeria

The pilot phase of the Irrigate Nigeria Project has commenced on a 10-hectare farmland in Gamawa, marking the beginning of a large-scale Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model designed for long-term sustainability. The initiative integrates modern irrigation technologies, enhanced seeds and fertilizers, and technical support to farmers, ensuring optimal productivity.

Mr. Halilu highlighted the four key pillars underpinning the initiative’s success:

1. Deployment of NASENI’s centralized irrigation systems to farming clusters.
2. Provision of input support—high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and technical assistance.
3. A structured commercial model to drive sustainability and economic viability.
4. A unique repayment model, where farmers contribute portions of their harvest (such as rice paddy) instead of monetary payments. These contributions will be used to establish a strategic food reserve that stabilizes food prices and supports exports.

“The project is not just about irrigation; it is a game-changer for agricultural financing, enabling farmers to produce more without unnecessary financial burdens,” Halilu added.

Bauchi Governor Applauds FG’s Agricultural Commitment

Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State expressed deep appreciation for the Federal Government’s decision to kick off the program in Gamawa. He commended President Tinubu’s administration for prioritizing food security and economic empowerment through strategic agricultural interventions.

“This project is more than farming—it is about economic resilience, food security, and national development. It aligns with Bauchi State’s vision of expanding irrigation farming and reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture,” the Governor stated.

Governor Mohammed described Irrigate Nigeria as a transformational model for agricultural excellence, predicting that it will create jobs, transfer knowledge, and integrate advanced technologies into Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

PPP Model to Drive Sustainability

Dr. Mohammed Dahiru, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), stressed that the project was designed for long-term sustainability, unlike past government-funded initiatives that failed due to poor implementation.

“A project funded by the private sector is built for success. Unlike previous initiatives that depended solely on government funding, the PPP model ensures accountability, efficiency, and sustainability,” Dr. Dahiru noted.

He explained that private investors have a vested interest in ensuring the success of the initiative, making it a game-changer in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Nationwide Expansion Underway

The Gamawa launch marks the first phase of the Irrigate Nigeria Project, with plans for nationwide expansion in the coming months. NASENI, under the RHIDF framework, will replicate the model in other states, ensuring that farmers across Nigeria benefit from modern irrigation systems and increased agricultural productivity.

With the successful launch in Bauchi, the Federal Government has set a bold precedent for agricultural transformation, reinforcing its commitment to economic diversification and national food security.

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