The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, officially flagged off the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project on March 10, 2026.
This strategic initiative is designed to strengthen dam safety and improve water resource management across the country, addressing critical challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural and energy sectors.
Supported by the World Bank with a $500 million financing package, the SPIN project aims to build Nigeria’s resilience against climate variability, including floods and droughts.
The program is a core component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes national food security and sustainable infrastructure development. By modernizing irrigation systems and expanding hydropower capacity, the project is expected to stimulate economic growth and enhance environmental sustainability.
A key feature of the initiative is the emphasis on participatory management through strengthened Water Users Associations (WUAs).
These associations will oversee the operation, maintenance, and long-term sustainability of the upgraded infrastructure.
The project is structured around four primary components, institutional strengthening, irrigation modernization, improved dam operations and safety, and effective project management.
During the launch, Professor Utsev encouraged state governments to establish the necessary institutional frameworks to participate in the program.
He noted that the success of the SPIN project depends on strong collaboration between federal and state authorities, development partners, and the private sector.
The initiative builds on the foundations laid by the previous Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, aiming to further expand year-round farming and rural industrialization.
