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FG Unveils Plan for Seven New Dams in South-West to Boost Food Production

By Achimi Muktar

In a bold move to tackle food insecurity and enhance irrigation in Nigeria’s southwest, the Federal Government has announced plans to construct seven new dams across the region. The initiative, aimed at boosting agricultural production and providing water for year-round farming, is set to take off in the coming days.

Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, made the announcement during the 46th Annual Conference of the Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN) in Lagos. He highlighted that the contracts for the dam projects would be awarded within the week, setting the stage for a transformative development in the agricultural sector.

The dams will span the six southwestern states and are primarily designed for irrigation purposes, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s agriculture agenda. “We are constructing these dams to ensure farmers have access to water all year long,” said Ashiru. "Each dam site will also feature 12 greenhouses, open fields, and storage facilities to support sustainable farming practices."

The dam projects are part of a broader strategy to mitigate the impact of climate change, prevent flooding, and increase food production in the region. According to Ashiru, the dams will play a crucial role in controlling water surges, which have been responsible for devastating floods in recent years. He pointed to the Oyan Dam, built in 1979, as an example of effective flood control, noting that it has protected vulnerable communities like Abeokuta and Isheri from disaster.

In addition to irrigation, Ashiru revealed plans to revive the hydropower potential of the Oyan Dam, which was initially designed with the capacity to generate nine megawatts of electricity. While the turbines have been largely dormant since the dam’s commissioning, discussions are underway to concession the power-generating component to investors, with the aim of boosting the national grid.

“We are in talks with investors and hope to finalise the concession plans next year,” he said. "Reviving the hydropower capacity of the Oyan Dam could significantly contribute to Nigeria's energy supply."

During the conference, Ashiru also called on engineers to incorporate climate resilience into their designs, urging them to embrace green technology to combat the challenges posed by global warming and ecological degradation.

Kem-Selem Bukar, President of ACEN, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development in light of the increasing frequency of natural disasters like floods. He noted that the association would propose strategies for building resilient cities at the conclusion of the conference, with recommendations forwarded to the appropriate authorities.

Bukar also addressed the alarming rise in building collapses across Nigeria, stating that up to three incidents occur weekly. He attributed this to quackery and a disregard for engineering regulations but reassured that new laws and stricter enforcement are on the way. "With over ten new regulations signed into law, we are stepping up monitoring and enforcement to hold violators accountable," Bukar stated.

The Federal Government’s seven-dam initiative marks a significant step toward addressing food shortages and water scarcity in Nigeria’s southwestern region, promising a brighter future for farmers and a more resilient agricultural sector.