The Federal Government has announced its renewed commitment to completing the long-abandoned Middle Ogun Irrigation Project, a major agricultural initiative that is expected to create substantial employment opportunities and boost food production in Nigeria. The project, located in Iseyin, Oyo State, has been idle for nearly nine years due to financial constraints.
Speaking during an on-site assessment, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsve, said the completion of the project will provide direct jobs for around 8,000 women and youth, with millions of indirect jobs expected to be generated.
The Middle Ogun Irrigation Project, which was awarded in 1990, aims to irrigate approximately 12,000 hectares of farmland using water from the Ikere-Gorge Dam. The project was designed in three phases, each covering 4,000 hectares. However, it has faced numerous delays, with progress halted in 2015 due to funding challenges.
Professor Utsve stated that the revival of the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on improving food security, creating jobs, and boosting Nigeria’s economy. He also announced a significant shift in the project’s energy source, moving from diesel-powered irrigation systems to a combination of solar energy and the national grid.
“We are almost at 95 percent completion for the grid connection, while the solarization is nearing 80 percent,” the Minister said, adding that this transition is both economically practical and environmentally sustainable.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
Professor Utsve emphasised that the project’s completion would have a significant impact on employment, with women and youth being the primary beneficiaries. “The completion of the Middle Ogun Irrigation Project is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities. Approximately 8,000 women and youth will benefit from direct jobs, with millions more potentially created indirectly,” he said.
In addition to job creation, the Minister highlighted that the irrigation project will help ensure maximum food production, benefiting Nigeria’s economy by strengthening the agricultural sector.
Timeline for Completion
When asked about the project’s timeline, Professor Utsve assured that the installation of solar panels and the rehabilitation of irrigation facilities would be completed by the end of the year. He projected that all 12,000 hectares of land intended for agricultural use would be fully operational within the next two to three years.
