By: Lydia Zakka
A significant political rift between Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, took center stage over the weekend during the official launch of the Irrigate Nigeria Project in Udubo village, Gamawa Local Government Area, Bauchi State. The project, a key initiative under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF), aims to boost Nigeria’s food security by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, especially irrigation, to increase farmers’ productivity and incomes.
The dispute between Tuggar and Governor Mohammed, which has been simmering for some time, erupted into full view when the foreign minister, who was scheduled to represent President Bola Tinubu at the event, chose to boycott the launch. Instead of attending the main event, Tuggar hosted his own parallel program with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a separate location within Gamawa, while the main gathering waited for his arrival.
The political tension stems from a bitter exchange between the two leaders over land acquisition and allocation in Bauchi State. Tuggar had previously accused Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration of illegally allocating farmland that belonged to smallholder farmers to private companies, which he claimed had left local farmers in distress. This accusation has heightened the political divide, leading to Tuggar’s absence at the event despite being designated as the President’s representative.
The Controversy Unfolds
It was initially reported that Tuggar was on his way to the event, and the audience waited for over 20 minutes before the program proceeded without him. During this period, Tuggar was engaged in a separate gathering where he continued to criticize the Bauchi state government for its handling of land issues.
While delivering his speech at the parallel event, Tuggar focused heavily on the protection of smallholder farmers, stating that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was firmly committed to safeguarding their rights and ensuring they would not lose their land to private investors. Tuggar also explained that Udubo village, chosen as the site for the Irrigate Nigeria Project, was ideal due to its fertile land and long history in agriculture.
“This program is designed to empower rural farmers by ensuring that land rights are protected and that any outputs of their farming efforts can reach the market, with government support for necessary inputs to improve agricultural yields,” Tuggar said.
He emphasized that the initiative was in line with Tinubu’s vision of bolstering food security while ensuring that farmers, particularly subsistence farmers, are not disenfranchised. Furthermore, the minister distributed a variety of relief materials, including rice, motorcycles, solar-powered cooking stoves, and other products to local residents.
Despite the political tensions and Tuggar’s decision to boycott the event, the Irrigate Nigeria Project launch continued as planned at the Tiamin Rice Farm in the state. The event was attended by key figures, including Governor Bala Mohammed, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF).
Project Goals and Vision
The Irrigate Nigeria Project is a significant part of President Tinubu’s agricultural policy. The initiative aims to tackle Nigeria’s food security challenges by introducing modern irrigation technologies that will enable farmers to cultivate crops year-round, regardless of rainfall patterns. The project also seeks to promote dry-season farming, which will ensure consistent agricultural production throughout the year.
Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, representing NASENI, outlined the objectives of the project, stating that it would provide sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s food insecurity by increasing the quantity and quality of agricultural outputs. The project is designed to raise the incomes of farmers, improve community livelihoods, and enhance Nigeria’s export capacity, ultimately boosting the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
“We are here today because of the strong collaboration between the federal government and various stakeholders in the agricultural sector. This project will directly address Nigeria’s food scarcity problems and help farmers overcome the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns,” said Halilu.
Governor Bala Mohammed also spoke at the launch, highlighting the importance of the Irrigate Nigeria Project in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He commended the efforts of NASENI and the RHIDF, noting that the initiative directly addresses the country’s food security challenges by equipping farmers with the necessary tools to enhance their productivity. Mohammed emphasized that the project aligns with his administration’s commitment to improving the state’s agricultural output and fighting food insecurity.
Governor Mohammed went on to acknowledge President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers, despite the ongoing political disputes. The governor also underscored the significance of modern irrigation techniques in ensuring that farmers can continue to produce crops in arid conditions or during the dry season.
“The Irrigate Nigeria Project is a testament to our collective vision for Nigeria’s future. It will provide our farmers with the necessary tools to increase production and improve food security, which is crucial for the economic stability of Nigeria,” said Governor Mohammed.
A Collaborative Effort
Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to revitalizing the agricultural sector. He noted that the launch of the Irrigate Nigeria Project aligns with President Tinubu’s broader agricultural and infrastructural development plans. Adedeji emphasized that this initiative is not only vital for food security but also holds immense potential for economic growth, particularly through improved agricultural exports.
Dr. Dahiru Muhammed, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Technology Transfer, provided insights into the challenges faced by previous irrigation programs in Nigeria. He explained that past initiatives struggled due to their reliance on government funding, which often resulted in inefficiency. The Irrigate Nigeria Project, however, adopts a more robust approach by integrating both public and private sector resources and technological advancements. This combination, he said, ensures long-term sustainability and operational efficiency.
“Unlike past programs that relied solely on government funding, this project incorporates private sector expertise and investment, creating a more sustainable and efficient system. We are introducing advanced irrigation technologies, such as solar-powered water pumps, to ensure the project’s long-term success,” said Dr. Muhammed.
The Role of Youth and Community Involvement
The Bauchi State Youth Democratic Assembly commended both the federal and state governments for their roles in the project. They acknowledged the positive impact that the Irrigate Nigeria Project would have on local farmers and communities, as well as the significant job creation opportunities it would bring to the state.
The youth group also urged political leaders to put aside personal differences for the greater good of the people and focus on ensuring the success of initiatives like this one, which directly benefit the masses. They emphasized that the Irrigate Nigeria Project could provide long-term solutions to food insecurity, poverty, and youth unemployment in Bauchi State and the broader region.
However, While the political feud between Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and Governor Bala Mohammed marred the official launch of the Irrigate Nigeria Project, the event nonetheless highlighted the importance of agricultural reform in addressing Nigeria’s pressing food security concerns. The project’s potential to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural landscape by providing farmers with modern irrigation techniques and empowering them with necessary tools and training remains a significant milestone.
Despite the political tensions, the collaboration between the federal government, state governments, and relevant agencies such as NASENI is a crucial step in ensuring the sustainable development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Moving forward, it is hoped that more initiatives like the Irrigate Nigeria Project will receive the political support and attention they deserve, as Nigeria works to tackle food insecurity and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.
As the project progresses, all stakeholders must work together, overcoming political divisions, to ensure its success and fulfill President Tinubu’s vision of a prosperous, food-secure Nigeria.
