In a strategic move to tackle Nigeria’s recurring flooding crises and enhance national food security, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a series of vital ecological and irrigation infrastructure projects across the country.
Announcing the approvals on Monday, the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. Emanso Umobong, disclosed that the council sanctioned the rehabilitation and expansion of several major dams and irrigation schemes, some of which date back as far as 1974.
Dr. Umobong highlighted the urgent need for structural reinforcement and ecological remediation, stressing that aging infrastructure had contributed to environmental hazards in recent years.
“You may be aware that some of these dams were constructed as far back as 1974. Ecological remediation to sustain their structural integrity and prevent flooding disasters is one of the primary reasons these projects require immediate attention,” she stated.
Among the key projects approved are three major contracts valued at over 26 billion Naira:
Rehabilitation and expansion of Tiga Dam under the Kano River Irrigation Project — N12 billion
Challawa Gorge Dam Irrigation Scheme — over N7 billion
Rehabilitation of the Kafin Chiri Irrigation Project — over N7 billion
These initiatives fall under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritizing sustainable agriculture, food security, and economic empowerment. According to Dr. Umobong, the projects are expected to positively impact over 30,000 farm families, cover 50,000 acres of arable land, and enable three annual farming cycles through improved irrigation infrastructure.
“This intervention will also create over 300,000 employment opportunities, contributing to rural development and economic growth,” she added.
In addition to irrigation enhancements, the projects include extensive erosion control, watershed management across 16 local government areas in Kano State and surrounding senatorial districts, as well as comprehensive ecological remediation works.
A notable component of the ecological intervention involves addressing the Alao Dam in Maiduguri, which was responsible for severe flooding in the city last year. Dr. Umobong confirmed that the dam would undergo urgent repairs as part of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources’ nationwide water management strategy.
“You may recall that this dam contributed to flooding in Maiduguri last year. This contract has now been awarded to prevent such an occurrence this year,” she explained.
The FEC’s latest approvals underscore the government’s commitment to combating climate-related challenges, protecting communities, and driving sustainable agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
