By Nkechi Eze
The Arewa Revival Project (ARP) has said the Federal Government’s ongoing ecological interventions in Kano State will boost food security, increase agricultural productivity and improve rural livelihoods through expanded access to irrigation infrastructure.
The group specifically commended the rehabilitation and expansion initiatives at Tiga Dam, Challawa Gorge Dam and Kafin Chiri Dam under the Kano River Irrigation Scheme, describing them as strategic investments in the agricultural potential of Northern Nigeria.
According to an official statement signed by the Project Coordinator of the Arewa Revival Project, Hon. Muttaka Ahmed Ibrahim, the projects, being implemented through the Ecological Project Office under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, demonstrate the importance of ecological infrastructure to sustainable agricultural development.
The group said improved irrigation facilities would enable farmers to cultivate their lands throughout the year, increase crop production, create employment opportunities and strengthen food supply chains across Kano State and neighbouring communities.
It noted that the intervention at Tiga Dam is designed to open additional irrigation sectors in Yakasai, Gwamma and Gurjiya, covering approximately 875 hectares, through the development of irrigation canals and associated infrastructure.
At Challawa Gorge Dam, the project focuses on developing 240 hectares of irrigable land through the construction and rehabilitation of main canals, distribution channels, field canals, access roads and other hydraulic structures.
Similarly, the intervention at Kafin Chiri Dam is expected to provide additional irrigation facilities across approximately 164.91 hectares in the Kunpada, Matanfa and Maida sectors.
The Arewa Revival Project said the interventions could help address challenges associated with agricultural production, water management and climate-related pressures, while improving the economic prospects of farmers and rural households.
It added that strengthening irrigation infrastructure in Kano State would help unlock the productive capacity of farmers, attract private investment into agribusiness and support the development of a more resilient agricultural economy.
The group also linked the projects to the Federal Government’s broader development objectives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly food security, economic diversification, poverty reduction and inclusive growth.
However, it stressed that the long-term benefits of the projects would depend on timely completion, effective maintenance, transparent implementation and active participation by beneficiary communities.
It therefore urged relevant government agencies, local stakeholders and farming communities to support the interventions and ensure that the infrastructure delivers its intended agricultural, environmental and economic benefits.
The group further called for an integrated approach to ecological remediation that combines infrastructure development with biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability and livelihood support to ensure lasting benefits for Kano State and the wider Arewa region.
In a related political declaration, the Arewa Revival Project expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, stating that continuity in leadership would provide an opportunity to consolidate ongoing projects and sustain development initiatives.
The group maintained that investments in irrigation and ecological infrastructure could play an important role in strengthening food production, supporting rural communities and advancing sustainable development in Northern Nigeria.
