Nigeria advances water security through solar irrigation and new national policy

Nigeria is intensifying efforts to address water security and agricultural resilience through technological demonstrations and policy shifts. The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) recently conducted field demonstrations of solar-powered irrigation systems in Kano State. These systems, showcased in the Zakirai and Kwarin Kaba areas, aim to provide climate-resilient solutions for dry-season farming, reduce operational costs, and decrease reliance on volatile fossil fuels.

Concurrently, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has advocated for water security to be classified as a matter of national security. Speaking at the National Defence College in Abuja, Utsev warned that issues such as flooding, drought, and poor sanitation could trigger displacement, health crises, and economic instability.

To address these challenges, the ministry is developing a National Water Compact for 2026–2030. This plan focuses on safe water access, irrigation expansion to bolster food security, and climate resilience. The minister also emphasized the importance of water diplomacy with neighboring countries due to shared regional water resources.