National Institute of Irrigation, Maiduguri Bill

A Bill establishes a National Institute of Irrigation in Maiduguri for research and applied development in irrigation technology. It targets farmers and agricultural communities in the North-East to address food insecurity and support agricultural growth. The institute aims to expand irrigated farmland across the arid zones.

National Institute of Irrigation, Maiduguri Bill Policy Overview

What Is This Policy?

A bill to establish a National Institute of Irrigation in Maiduguri, Borno State, dedicated to research, training, and applied development in irrigation technology to address food insecurity and support agricultural development in the arid North-East.

Who Does It Target?

Farmers and agricultural communities in the North-East Water resources engineers and irrigation scientists Federal and state ministries of water resources and agriculture Lake Chad Basin Commission member countries

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Develop indigenous irrigation technology solutions for Nigeria's arid and semi-arid zones Expand irrigated farmland in the North-East from 200,000 to 1 million hectares by 2035 Improve food security in conflict-affected communities through agricultural recovery Position Nigeria as a leader in Lake Chad Basin water resources management

Key Features

Current Status

Funding: Federal Government budget; Lake Chad Basin Commission contributions; FAO and IFAD technical support

How to Access

Farmers access technology through demonstration sites; engineers apply for training through the institute. Requirements: Farmers: registration with state agricultural development programmes Training: relevant agricultural or engineering background Research access: academic or professional qualifications in relevant field Application method: Federal Ministry of Water Resources: www.waterresources.gov.ng upon establishment

Impact & Metrics

Only 1.3% of Nigeria's arable land is under irrigation despite 3.1 million hectares of irrigation potential; this institute directly addresses the knowledge and technology gap holding back the sector.

Official Resources

Website: www.waterresources.gov.ng | www.agriculture.gov.ng Contact: Ministry of Water Resources — [email protected] Federal Republic of Nigeria — Policy Summary Document | March 2026

Legal Framework

The National Institute of Irrigation, Maiduguri Bill, when enacted, would operate under the River Basins Development Authorities Act, the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, and the Lake Chad Basin Commission Act. It would align with the National Water Resources Policy 2016, the National Agricultural Policy, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency Act, and the FAO framework on irrigation development in semi-arid regions.