The Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to bolstering Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) in public irrigation schemes, viewing this as vital for food security and economic development.
This announcement was made during the South-South Regional Workshop on the establishment and strengthening of WUAs, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. According to a statement from Funmi Imuetinyan, the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Goronyo emphasized the importance of participatory water management for the sustainability of Nigeria’s irrigation infrastructure.
He highlighted the critical role of irrigation in tackling food insecurity, promoting economic growth, alleviating poverty, and empowering youth, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
“The success of the World Bank-sponsored Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project illustrates the significance of a structured framework for irrigation management,” Goronyo stated. He noted that under the TRIMING project, WUAs have actively engaged in maintaining irrigation systems and ensuring agricultural productivity.
The minister stressed the need to replicate the success of TRIMING in other irrigation schemes nationwide, emphasizing that effective water management and active involvement of water users are essential for achieving national food security goals. He praised Oyeronke Oluniyi, the Director of Irrigation and Drainage, for her efforts in promoting irrigation and organizing the workshop.
