WorldStage– The Federal Government of Nigeria has handed over consultancy services for the establishment and strengthening of Water Users Associations (WUAs) in the Gari Irrigation Project to OMADAC Engineering Limited, marking a new phase in the implementation of the scheme across Kano and Jigawa States.
The handover ceremony, which took place at the project site in Jigawa State, is expected to enhance water management efficiency, increase agricultural productivity, and support food security initiatives in the region.
Officials of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation said the move will strengthen community participation in irrigation system maintenance and decision-making.
Representing the Director of Irrigation and Drainage, Engr. (Mrs.) Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi, Engr. Victor Ojiako said the collaboration between the Ministry, the Hadejia–Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), and local farmers will translate into improved livelihoods and greater agricultural output.
Project Coordinator, Mrs. Florence Oyakhirome, noted that the sustainability of the scheme depends on community ownership. She emphasized the need for women and youth to play active roles in Water Users Associations, pointing out that they contribute significantly to agricultural labour and food production in the area.
Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director of HJRBDA, Deputy Director of Agricultural Services, Mr. Abba Rasheed, urged farmers to take responsibility for maintaining the irrigation infrastructure to ensure long-term benefits.
Also addressing participants, the National Desk Officer for Water Users Associations, Engr. Ibe Uzoechi, said the new arrangement would empower farmers to manage irrigation facilities more effectively and ensure equitable access to water for cultivation.
President of the Gari Irrigation Scheme WUA, Alhaji Haruna Isyaku, described the handover as a “new beginning” for farmers in the area. He said the improved irrigation system would encourage higher crop yields and diversification into new agricultural ventures, adding that the association would ensure transparent and responsible management of the scheme.
The Gari Irrigation Project is one of the Federal Government’s major initiatives aimed at expanding irrigated farmland and reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture. The new phase focuses on community-led administration supported by technical oversight from the consultancy firm.
The event ended with the official transfer of project documents to OMADAC Engineering Limited.
