The Federal Government has officially inaugurated the Project Steering Committee for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project, a transformative $500 million initiative designed to modernize Nigeria’s irrigation and hydropower infrastructure while advancing national food and water security.

 

The committee’s inaugural meeting, held in Abuja, was presided over by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, who emphasized that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

SPIN, a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the World Bank, aims to integrate water resource management, expand irrigation systems, and enhance hydropower generation across 17 eligible states.

 

Prof. Utsev explained that SPIN builds on the success of the soon-to-be-completed Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) Project, which rehabilitated over 32,000 hectares of irrigation land and empowered rural Water User Associations (WUAs).

 

> “SPIN is a strategic step toward achieving Nigeria’s goals of irrigating 500,000 hectares of farmland, generating 30 gigawatts of sustainable power, and strengthening resilience against floods, droughts, and climate change,” he said.

 

 

 

While 34 states initially expressed interest, only 17 met the rigorous eligibility criteria—including the enactment of WUA legislation, budgetary provisions for WUAs, and counterpart funding commitments.

 

These states will engage in SPIN through either Federal Government-managed River Basin Development Authority (RBDA) schemes or eligible, state-managed irrigation projects.

 

The SPIN project is structured around four key components:

 

1. Institutional Strengthening

 

 

2. Irrigation Modernisation

 

 

3. Dam Safety and Operational Improvements

 

 

4. Effective Project Management

 

 

 

Prof. Utsev commended the SPIN Interim Project Preparatory Team for its 15-month groundwork, which included extensive field assessments and the development of key documents such as the Project Appraisal Document, Implementation Manual, and an 18-month Work Plan.

 

He noted that the Steering Committee—chaired by himself and co-chaired by the Minister of Power—serves as the highest policy and decision-making body for SPIN, with members drawn from relevant ministries, state governments, and technical partners.

 

In his remarks, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the committee and ensuring smooth implementation.

 

> “The SPIN project is a significant convergence of national priorities in agriculture, water, and energy security. With World Bank support and state-level commitment, we’re poised to deliver real infrastructure and community impact,” he said.

 

 

 

Pheelangwah praised the readiness of the 17 participating states and expressed confidence that SPIN will not only consolidate but also exceed the successes recorded under TRIMING.

 

The inaugural meeting also marked a critical milestone in accessing the $500 million World Bank facility allocated for the project.