The Federal Government has officially handed over consultancy services for the establishment and strengthening of Water Users Associations, WUAs, in the Gari Irrigation Project, which spans Kano and Jigawa States, to OMADAC Engineering Limited.
Speaking during the event, the Director of Irrigation and Drainage, in the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mrs. Esther Oyeronke-Oluniyi, commended the collaboration between the Ministry, the Hadejia–Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), and local communities.
Mrs. Esther Oyeronke- Oluniyi who was represented by Mr. Victor Ojiako, said the initiative would transform farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen economic resilience across the region.
On her part, the Project Coordinator, Mrs. Florence Oyakhirome, described the handover as a major step toward sustainability and community ownership.
She emphasized the importance of women’s participation in the leadership of Water Users Associations, noting their vital contributions to farming and agricultural labour.
In his goodwill message, the Managing Director, Hadejia–Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, HJRBDA, Mr. Abba Rasheed, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Agricultural Services, urged farmers to take full ownership of the infrastructure and ensure proper maintenance to guarantee lasting impact.
Also speaking, the National Desk Officer for WUAs, Ibe Uzoechi, said the new arrangement would empower farmers to manage irrigation systems more efficiently.
In his part, President of the Gari Irrigation Scheme WUA, Alhaji Haruna Isyaku, described the development as a “new dawn” for farmers, pledging full commitment to sustaining the project’s goals.
The handover ceremony, at the Gari Irrigation Project site in Jigawa State, marks another milestone in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation’s ongoing efforts to boost agricultural productivity, improve water management, and enhance national food security.
The Gari Irrigation Project, one of Nigeria’s flagship irrigation initiatives, is aimed at enhancing water efficiency, expand irrigable farmland, and promote climate-smart agriculture.
With this handover, the project moves into a new phase of community-driven management under the supervision of OMADAC Engineering Limited.
Highlight of the ceremony was the official presentation of project documents to OMADAC representatives by officials of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
