Minister of Water Resources Vows to Resolve Irrigation Issues Hindering Sugar Production

Minister of Water Resources Vows to Resolve Irrigation Issues Hindering Sugar Production

By Fly Cable News

The Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Joseph Utsev, has pledged to address the ongoing irrigation challenges affecting sugar production across Nigeria.

During a meeting with the Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Kamar Bakrin, in Abuja, Utsev affirmed his ministry’s commitment to supporting the NSDC’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production.

Bakrin raised concerns about the critical water access issues faced by sugar estates, which rely on consistent irrigation for sugarcane cultivation.

He emphasized that sugarcane requires between 1,500 and 2,500mm of water throughout its 12-18 month growth cycle, and without reliable irrigation, both yield and quality suffer, leading to lower sugar output.

One key request from Bakrin was the approval for a 20-kilometre canal system to transport water from River Hadejia to the Great Northern Nigeria Agri-business Limited (GNAL) sugar project in Jigawa State, which has been delayed due to irrigation challenges.

The project, expected to create over 5,000 jobs, has yet to receive final approval for its Bulk Water Supply and Irrigation System designs, despite securing a Water Use Licence in 2018.

Bakrin also called for the implementation of a 2023 Presidential directive exempting NSMP II businesses from paying water usage fees, noting that Dangote Sugar Refinery has continued to face rising charges for water access from its Kiri Dam.

Additional requests included support for dredging Kiri Dam, building primary canals, and improving flood risk management at the Golden Sugar Estate in Sunti, Niger State.

In response, Minister Utsev assured that his ministry would collaborate closely with the NSDC to resolve the irrigation issues and improve water supply for sugarcane production. He emphasized the importance of water for sugarcane cultivation, which is about 70% water by weight, and expressed the ministry’s readiness to work with other relevant bodies to support local sugar production.

Utsev reiterated that strengthening the sugar sector aligns with the government’s broader economic goals and will improve livelihoods across Nigeria.