National Irrigation and Drainage Policy and Strategy
Strategy · Water
A Strategy sets out Nigeria's approach to developing irrigation and drainage systems for agricultural productivity. It targets farmers, river basin authorities, and water resource ministries. This aims to boost food security and build climate resilience.
National Irrigation and Drainage Policy and Strategy
What Is This Policy?
A policy and strategy document that sets out Nigeria's approach to developing, managing, and sustaining irrigation and drainage infrastructure to boost agricultural productivity, food security, and climate resilience.
Who Does It Target?
Smallholder and commercial farmers in irrigable areas River Basin Development Authorities Federal and state ministries of water resources and agriculture Irrigation scheme operators and water user associations
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Expand irrigated agriculture in Nigeria to reduce dependence on rain-fed farming, increase crop production, create rural employment, and build resilience against drought and climate variability.
Key Features
Irrigation Expansion: Targets for developing new irrigation schemes and rehabilitating existing ones Farmer-Led Irrigation: Support for small-scale, farmer-managed irrigation systems alongside large public schemes Water Use Efficiency: Promotion of efficient water application methods including drip and sprinkler systems Drainage Management: Standards for managing waterlogging, salinity, and flood damage in irrigated areas Institutional Reform: Restructuring of River Basin Development Authorities and irrigation management bodies
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active with phased implementation Coverage: All irrigable areas across Nigeria Lead Agency: Federal Ministry of Water Resources Partners: World Bank, AfDB, FAO, IFAD
How to Access
The policy is available through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. Contact the Federal Ministry of Water Resources for the policy document Engage with River Basin Development Authorities for irrigation project information
Official Resources
Website: waterresources.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Abuja
Legal Framework
Operates under the National Water Resources Act 2023 (formerly the Water Resources Act), the River Basin Development Authorities Act, the Land Use Act 1978, the National Agricultural Policy, and the National Irrigation Policy. Draws on FAO irrigation and drainage guidelines and the UN-Water Integrated Water Resources Management framework.