Katsina-Ala Irrigation Project Set to Create 2,000 Jobs, Enhance Food Security in Benue

The Federal Government has announced plans to boost food production and employment through a 5,000 hectare irrigation project in Katsina Ala, Benue State, under the World Bank supported Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) programme.The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation said the project is designed to enable year-round farming, increase crop yields and create sustainable jobs for youths in the host communities. He disclosed that the dam component of the project will be concessioned through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to fast track delivery and improve operational efficiency.When fully implemented, the Katsina Ala irrigation scheme is expected to generate employment for about 2,000 young people, strengthen local agricultural value chains and enhance food security. The minister urged residents and community leaders to support the initiative, noting that local cooperation and ownership would be critical to its long term success.He also called on state governments to leverage opportunities under the SPIN programme, describing it as a catalyst for economic growth through improved water infrastructure and increased agricultural productivity. In Benue State, other ongoing dam and irrigation projects include those in Wannune, Amgbo, Atee, Dura and Amla, as well as irrigable farmlands around Makurdi.

The Katsina-Ala project is expected to contribute significantly to higher food output, job creation and national income once implementation begins, with work scheduled to commence after final clearance from the development partner.The proposed irrigation scheme was unveiled during an inspection tour of water and irrigation facilities in Benue State by the minister. The visit also covered the Ugbema Semi-Urban Water Project and the Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Scheme, as part of a nationwide assessment mandated by the President to identify infrastructure gaps requiring urgent intervention.