Figures cited by Vanguard show that the Federal Government has officially flagged off the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project. Funded by a $500 million World Bank credit, the initiative aims to modernize irrigation systems and boost hydropower generation across the country’s agricultural belts.
Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Joseph Utsev, explained that the project is a cornerstone of the national emergency on food security. By moving away from rain-fed agriculture, Nigeria hopes to stabilize food prices which have been volatile due to climate-induced disruptions and regional conflicts.
The Sun corroborated the launch, quoting the World Bank Country Director: “Water security is the foundation of Nigeria’s future economic stability.” Daily Post added that “farmers in the North-West and North-Central zones will be the primary beneficiaries of the first phase.”
Echotitbits take: $500m is a significant injection, but the “SPIN” project’s success depends on security in rural areas. If farmers can’t access the new irrigation sites due to banditry, the investment remains a “paper achievement.”
Source: Nairametrics – https://nairametrics.com/2026/03/10/fg-world-bank-inaugurate-500m-spin-project-to-boost-irrigation-dam-safety/, March 11, 2026
Photo credit: Nairametrics
