The Federal Government has formally inaugurated the Steering Committee for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, a $500 million World Bank–backed programme designed to bolster food security, modernise water management, and expand hydropower capacity nationwide. At its launch in Abuja, ministers and key stakeholders committed to transforming 500,000 hectares of farmland and delivering 30 gigawatts of sustainable energy while building resilience against floods, droughts, and climate change.
The SPIN project aims to irrigate half a million hectares—more than twice the area rehabilitated under its predecessor, the TRIMING initiative—and to harness hydropower at scale to meet Nigeria’s growing energy demands. By integrating irrigation modernisation and dam safety upgrades with new power-generation facilities, SPIN seeks to unlock rural economic potential and safeguard harvests against erratic weather patterns.
Four Pillars of Progress
- Institutional Strengthening: Fortifying federal and state agencies to ensure transparent governance and efficient project delivery.
- Irrigation Modernisation: Upgrading canals, pumps, and distribution networks for reliable water supply to farms.
- Dam Safety & Operations: Enhancing inspection, maintenance, and early-warning systems to protect communities downstream.
- Effective Project Management: Establishing robust monitoring frameworks and stakeholder coordination through the newly formed Steering Committee.
Leadership and State Involvement
Co-chaired by the Ministers of Water Resources and Sanitation and of Power, the committee includes commissioners from the 17 states that met strict readiness criteria—enacting Water Users Association laws, allocating dedicated budgets, and securing counterpart funding. These states join ten others in pledging full support for SPIN’s dual‐model implementation, which balances federally managed schemes with state‐led initiatives.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, applauded SPIN’s timely launch but urged a laser focus on clear, quantifiable outcomes for yields, energy output, and resilience metrics. He highlighted Nigeria’s youthful population as a “powerhouse for innovation” if equipped with strategic investments and transparent performance tracking.
Hydropower as Cornerstone of the Energy Transition
Representatives from the Ministry of Power underscored hydropower’s role in stabilising the national grid and complementing solar and wind sources. With plans to attract private investment into hydropower plants and reservoir-linked generation, SPIN is positioned as a catalyst for Nigeria’s broader clean-energy agenda under the Renewed Hope vision.
With field assessments completed and an 18-month work plan in place, the SPIN Steering Committee moves from planning to execution. If delivered on schedule, the project promises to revitalise rural economies, secure food and energy supplies for millions, and reinforce Nigeria’s standing as a leader in sustainable African development