The Bauchi State Government has launched the Irrigate Nigeria Project, a transformative initiative designed to enhance agricultural productivity across the state.
As part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the project aims to empower youths and women by promoting all-season farming through advanced irrigation techniques.
Speaking at Udubo in Gamawa Local Government Area on Saturday during the launch of the Irrigate Nigeria Project, initiated by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, Governor Bala Mohammed stated that the initiative, implemented under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, RHIDF, of the Tinubu administration, is a testament to a shared vision of transforming the country’s infrastructure sector to ensure food security.
“NASENI is setting the pace for a new model of large-scale commercial agriculture that is transparent and well-structured,” he said.
“Unlike previous agricultural funding models that were abused despite the trillions spent, this initiative is built on accountability, innovation, intellect, and sustainability.”
He predicted that the Irrigate Nigeria Project, if implemented according to design, would have a multiplier effect across the agricultural value chain, both vertically and horizontally.
“It will drive knowledge transfer, introduce advanced technology, and distribute wealth equitably, ensuring that even the most vulnerable in our society benefit from this transformation.”
“This is the kind of structured agricultural intervention that Nigeria needs—one that prioritises proximity, accountability, and long-term economic impact.”
“The programme is about more than just farming; it is about food security, economic empowerment, and national stability. It aligns perfectly with our broader goal of expanding irrigation farming, reducing dependence on retail agriculture, and promoting sustainable agricultural infrastructure.”
“The success of commercial agriculture in a place like Udubo, close to the Sahel desert of Yobe, depends on the right technology and ideas.
“Every part of Nigeria can achieve year-round agricultural production. This initiative will not only transform Gamawa but will serve as a model for other regions across Nigeria,” Mohammed added.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Chairman of NASENI, explained that the goal of the Irrigate Nigeria Project was to transform Nigeria’s agricultural system through a sustainable irrigation system that empowers farmers to practise all-year-round farming.
Halilu said key aspects of the project include the deployment of centralised irrigation systems to form farming clusters with participating communities, the provision of inputs, enhanced fertiliser access, and technical support for participating farmers.
In his opening remarks, Dr Zach Adedeji of RHIDF stated that the launch was a fulfilment of the promise to ensure food security for Nigerian citizens.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Zaccheus Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, and Dr Dahiru Mohammed, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Infrastructure Engineering.
Bauchi Govt to boost agriculture with Irrigate Nigeria Project
