Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has stressed the need for partnerships and greater investment in irrigation to tackle climate change, population growth, and food insecurity.
Professor Utsev made the call at the closing ceremony of the 6th African Irrigation and Drainage (ARCID) Conference, which concluded with an award ceremony in Abuja.
Utsev who was represented by the Director Reforms Coordination in the ministry, Mr Moses Jo-Madugu, noted that collaborative work would pave the way for developing actionable strategies in the irrigation and drainage sector for both Nigeria and the African continent.
The Minister commended the efforts of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), the African Regional Working Group, and all participating countries for their dedication to the conference’s goals.
He stressed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and ensuring accessible water resources for farmers to foster prosperity across Africa.
On her part, the Chairperson of the Nigerian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, NINCID, Mrs Oyeronke Oluniyi, said that the conference stood out for its strong engagement with young professionals from six African countries.
“The level of participation, knowledge-sharing, and innovation brought by these young professionals was impressive. They are no longer just learners but ready to lead and drive meaningful change in irrigation development across the continent” she stated.
She emphasised the importance of harnessing the creativity and energy of young people to promote sustainable agriculture in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“These young minds are well-positioned to contribute to food security, effective water resource management, and increased agricultural productivity,” she said.
Mrs. Oluniyi added that it was inspiring to witness Nigerian youth engaging and forming connections with their peers from 
across the continent.
“The conference also featured a dedicated session on women’s participation in irrigated agriculture, aimed at empowering women.
Also speaking at the event, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Dr Marco Arcieri, who described the conference as a significant milestone for Africa called for greater collaboration and networking to address shared challenges, including water scarcity and food insecurity.
Dr. Arcieri also commended the Nigerian National Committee for hosting the event with the backing of the Federal Government, including support from the Ministries of Water Resources, Agriculture, and the Presidency.
In his presentation, the Co-chair of the 6th ARCID Task Team, Mr Inuwa Musa, noted that while advancements are being made, they must be accelerated to meet the demands of a growing population and the increasing impacts of climate change.
