The Executive Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Radda has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government to ensure the success of the World Bank-assisted project “Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria” (SPIN).
He gave the pledge during a high-level meeting with a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, who were on a mission to inspect a newly established multi-billion naira Dam in Danja.
Governor Radda announced that the state government had already committed 500 million naira as its counterpart fund for the program, demonstrating the administration’s dedication to its effective implementation.
“Our focus will be on smaller dams and Fadama areas where a significant number of our people engage in irrigation activities,” the governor stated.
Explaining the state’s proactive measures, Governor Radda mentioned the recent establishment of the State Irrigation Management Authority and the assignment of experts to develop an irrigation master plan.
These initiatives are designed to create a sustainable roadmap for irrigation success in Katsina, extending beyond the current administration’s tenure.
The governor also touched upon the recent launch of a community development program, aimed at transferring ownership of government infrastructure to benefiting communities.
This innovative approach includes the formation of community-level committees responsible for project initiation, distribution, and protection against vandalism.
Engr. Hauwa Mohamed Saddiq, Deputy Director of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and leader of the delegation, explained that SPIN represents the second phase following the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.
She emphasized that SPIN, which focuses on irrigation modernization, dam rehabilitation, and harnessing hydro-power potential for cottage industries, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Also speaking, Dr. Bashir Gambo Saulawa, the Katsina State Commissioner of Water Resources, confirmed that the state has fulfilled all requirements for the program, including the advance payment of the counterpart fund. “The SPIN project is scheduled to commence in January 2025,” he added.
According to Governor Radda’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed in a statement, the collaboration between the Katsina State Government and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources is a shared commitment to sustainable development and improved agricultural productivity in the region.