The Federal Authorities has formally inaugurated the Challenge Steering Committee for the Sustainable Energy and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Challenge, a transformative $500 million initiative designed to modernize Nigeria’s irrigation and hydropower infrastructure whereas advancing nationwide meals and water safety.
The committee’s inaugural assembly, held in Abuja, was presided over by the Minister of Water Assets and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, who emphasised that the mission aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
SPIN, a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Water Assets and Sanitation and the World {Bank}, goals to combine water useful resource administration, increase irrigation methods, and improve hydropower technology throughout 17 eligible states.
Prof. Utsev defined that SPIN builds on the success of the soon-to-be-completed Remodeling Irrigation Administration in Nigeria (TRIMING) Challenge, which rehabilitated over 32,000 hectares of irrigation land and empowered rural Water Person Associations (WUAs).
> “SPIN is a strategic step towards reaching Nigeria’s objectives of irrigating 500,000 hectares of farmland, producing 30 gigawatts of sustainable energy, and strengthening resilience in opposition to floods, droughts, and local weather change,” he mentioned.
Whereas 34 states initially expressed curiosity, solely 17 met the rigorous eligibility standards—together with the enactment of WUA laws, budgetary provisions for WUAs, and counterpart funding commitments.
These states will have interaction in SPIN by means of both Federal Authorities-managed River Basin Improvement Authority (RBDA) schemes or eligible, state-managed irrigation tasks.
The SPIN mission is structured round 4 key elements:
1. Institutional Strengthening
2. Irrigation Modernisation
3. Dam Security and Operational Enhancements
4. Efficient Challenge Administration
Prof. Utsev counseled the SPIN Interim Challenge Preparatory Crew for its 15-month groundwork, which included in depth area assessments and the event of key paperwork such because the Challenge Appraisal Doc, Implementation Guide, and an 18-month Work Plan.
He famous that the Steering Committee—chaired by himself and co-chaired by the Minister of Energy—serves as the best coverage and decision-making physique for SPIN, with members drawn from related ministries, state governments, and technical companions.
In his remarks, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, Everlasting Secretary of the Ministry, reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to supporting the committee and making certain easy implementation.
> “The SPIN mission is a major convergence of nationwide priorities in agriculture, water, and vitality safety. With World {Bank} help and state-level dedication, we’re poised to ship actual infrastructure and group impression,” he mentioned.
Pheelangwah praised the readiness of the 17 collaborating states and expressed confidence that SPIN is not going to solely consolidate but in addition exceed the successes recorded beneath TRIMING.
The inaugural assembly additionally marked a crucial milestone in accessing the $500 million World {Bank} facility allotted for the mission.