The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and leverage technological advancements to foster economic growth and development in both the agricultural and water sectors.
He made the call on Thursday during the commissioning of a fleet of tractors and harvesters at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority in Kano.
marking a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance food production and drive agricultural transformation in Nigeria.
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, the Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, said the event marked a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance food production and drive agricultural transformation in Nigeria.
She explained that this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to advancing the agricultural sector and ensuring food security for the nation.
The commissioning was led by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, accompanied by the Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources, Hon. Sada Soli; the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah; Directors of the ministry, and other water experts.
The event took place on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority in Kano.
In his speech on the occasion, Utsev commended the River Basin Authority for its proactive efforts in procuring these essential farming tools, emphasising that the initiative is expected to significantly boost farming productivity and contribute to Nigeria’s journey toward food sufficiency.
He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support of the ministry through the approval and funding of several impactful projects.
Utsev further called for the proper maintenance and judicious use of the tractors and harvesters to ensure their durability and maximise their benefits for farmers and the broader agricultural community.
This effort, he noted, highlights the government’s commitment to empowering farmers with the necessary tools for sustainable agricultural development.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Ma’amun Da’u Aliyu, identified the lack of mechanisation as a persistent challenge for farmers.
He stated that the commissioning of the tractors and harvesters represents a transformative step in addressing this issue and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for national development.
Aliyu expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and members of the National Assembly for their steadfast support in making the project a reality.
He assured farmers that similar initiatives would continue to be prioritised to ease the challenges of food production and further drive agricultural progress across the country.
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, the Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, said the event marked a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance food production and drive agricultural transformation in Nigeria.
She explained that this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to advancing the agricultural sector and ensuring food security for the nation.