The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to expanding irrigation infrastructure and promoting all-season agriculture following the handover of the rehabilitated Lower Anambra Irrigation Project (LAIP) Water Pumping Station in Ifite-Ogwari, Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The facility, executed under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase One (ATASP-1), was formally transferred to the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA) at a ceremony attended by federal and state officials, farmers, and community leaders.
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Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, the National Programme Coordinator of ATASP-1, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Arabi, described the rehabilitation as a significant step in efforts to modernise Nigeria’s agricultural sector and strengthen dry-season farming.
Represented by the National Programme Civil Engineer, Engr. Usman Abdullahi, Arabi said “the restored irrigation scheme would enhance food production and support sustainable agriculture across the Anambra River Basin”.
He said more than 2,000 hectares of farmland had been rehabilitated, enabling farmers in Omor and surrounding communities to cultivate crops throughout the year.
“For years, farmers relied heavily on rain-fed agriculture, which limited productivity and exposed them to climate-related risks. With this irrigation infrastructure now restored, farmers can undertake multiple planting cycles annually, improving both yields and incomes,” he said.
The Zonal Programme Coordinator of ATASP-1 Adani-Omor Zone, Dr. Romanus Egba, said the rehabilitation included the restoration of the pumping station and the lining of 40.1 kilometres of irrigation canals.
He said the project was jointly funded by the African Development Bank and the Federal Government, with counterpart support from the Anambra State Government.
Egba commended the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo for its support, including the provision of a 5,000KVA power transformer to ensure stable electricity supply to the facility.
He also acknowledged contributions from traditional rulers and stakeholders, including the Chairman of AIRBDA, Senator Emma Obiajulu Anosike, and Justice Paul Obidigwe, in facilitating the project’s completion.
According to him, the pumping station is a critical component of the irrigation network serving the Ayamelum agricultural corridor, and had deteriorated over time, disrupting water supply and farming activities prior to rehabilitation.
He explained that the restored infrastructure is expected to boost dry-season farming, increase crop yields, create employment opportunities, and stimulate agribusiness across the region.
Receiving the facility on behalf of AIRBDA, Senator Anosike commended ATASP-1 for rehabilitating the long-abandoned infrastructure and pledged its proper maintenance and sustainability.
The traditional ruler of Ifite-Ogwari, HRH Igwe Alphonsus Ofuebe (Ogidiga), described the project as a major boost for rice production and agricultural productivity in Ayamelum.
The event was attended by more than 200 farmers from across the local government area, as well as officials of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and representatives of the Omor Kingdom.
