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Irrigation agriculture: Experts recommend new land administation method
Irrigation agriculture: Experts recommend new land administation method
As FG sensitizes host communities to deepen participation and ownership of irrigation projects
By: Ameh Ochojila
A report on irrigation agriculture practices in Nigeria has recommended the adoption of a semi-formal land ownership and administation method to boost land use and agricultural production in Nigeria.
The publication which made the recommendation, “Learning by Doing! Action Research Experiences from TRIMING Project in Nigeria’s Public Irrigation Schemes,” was released in Abuja on Monday at a two-day workshop organized by Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria(TRIMING), a World Bank-funded Federal Government initiative.
The publication, compiled by the Research Panel of Experts (RPoE) assembled by TRIMING, is the synthesis and highlight of the research reports and outcomes from the five research projects funded by the TRIMING Project. The action research is aimed at advancing the course of irrigation farming in Nigeria and to address challenges in agricultural production and its value chain. The research projects were carried out between 2017 and 2023 in the five target Schemes, namely: Hadejia Valley Irrigation Scheme (HVIS); Middle Rima Valley Irrigation Scheme (MRVIS); Bakolori Irrigation Scheme (BIS); Kano River Irrigation Scheme (KRIS); and Dadin Kowa Irrigation Scheme (DKIS).
“The semi-formal land administration method was socially acceptable, transparent, pro-equity, effective, cost efficient, sustainable, and the farmers in both formal-government land area and informal-customary were willing to adopt it; hence a high possibility that it will be adopted for implimentation of land consolidation in DKIS,” the experts said.
“The semi-formalized land administration process was perceived as having the potential to guarantee security of tenure and land use right, support land taxation, provide collateral for credit, develop and monitor land markets, reduce land disputes, facilitate land reform, improve infrastructure development, and support environmental management. Hence it was concluded that the land administration process may promote private investments in agriculture and support sustainable irrigation development.”
The two-day engagement with the theme, “consolidating and sustaining lessons learned from the implementation of the TRIMING Project Participatory Action Research,” is aimed at examinimg the efficiency and to ensure proper delivery of the projects. It was declared open by Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
In her remarks at the occasion, Mrs. Walson-Jack disclosed that the Federal Government had initiated advocacy programmes targeted at enhancing host communities’ understanding of the projects in order to deepen their participation and ownership of completed water projects.
She listed some of the benefits expected from the workshop to include best practices identification, capacity building, networking and collaboration, and policy ecommendations.
She told the participants that the success of the workshop depended on their active participation, engagement, and commitment to the shared goal of enhancing agricultural productivity. “Let us leverage this platform to learn from our collective experiences and chart a course for a more prosperous and sustainable future for irrigation in Nigerian agriculture.
TRIMING’s National Project Coordinator, Engr. Peter Yakubu Manjuk, said the workshop was planned, among other things, to discuss the systainability issues relating to the research finding and recommend action. It was also meant to promote community ownership of the research outcomes and plan for advocacy programmes for upscaling the promising research results by relevant institutions.
Irrigation agriculture: Experts recommend new land administation method
News
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
News
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.

On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.

No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership
UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership
By: Michael Mike
A high-level United Kingdom trade mission on education and skills has concluded a week-long skills and schools trade mission to Nigeria, laying a solid foundation for expanded collaboration in education and workforce development between both countries.
The mission, which ran from April 19 to 23 in Abuja and Lagos, brought together leading UK private schools, skills providers and education institutions with Nigerian stakeholders, including policymakers, investors and school operators.
Organised by the UK Department for Business and Trade, the engagement is part of the UK’s broader International Education Strategy, which identifies Nigeria as one of five priority markets for global education partnerships. The initiative is being championed by Steve Smith, who is expected to return to Nigeria later this year to sustain momentum.
The mission builds on diplomatic and educational engagements during a recent state visit to the United Kingdom in March, further reinforcing the growing importance of education within UK–Nigeria bilateral relations.

At the heart of discussions was the expansion of in-country delivery of British education, including the establishment of internationally recognised UK schools in Nigeria, as well as the development of industry-aligned skills programmes, particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
In Abuja, the delegation held high-level talks with Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, securing strong political backing for deeper institutional cooperation. Both sides explored pathways for partnerships that would strengthen Nigeria’s education system while equipping young people with skills tailored to labour market demands.
The delegation also visited several British curriculum schools and colleges in Abuja and Lagos, gaining first-hand insight into teaching standards and operational models already in place within Nigeria.
Speaking at the conclusion of the mission, British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, highlighted education as a key pillar of bilateral engagement.
“The UK and Nigeria share a deep and longstanding relationship, and opportunities in education are one of its most exciting frontiers,” he said, noting that the mission demonstrated “strong appetite on both sides to deepen collaboration.”
He added that connecting UK institutions with Nigerian partners would help build sustainable, in-country education systems, while positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for high-quality learning.
Also reflecting on the mission, Sarah Chidgey described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the UK’s education strategy in action.
According to her, progress in UK–Nigeria education collaboration has grown steadily since her first visit in 2022, with the current mission reinforcing mutual commitment to expanding access, quality, and innovation in the sector.
The delegation included representatives from prominent UK institutions such as Harrow International School, The King’s School Canterbury, Whitgift School, Bedford School, and Pearson, among others.
The mission concluded with a robust pipeline of follow-up activities, including one-on-one engagements, memorandum of understanding (MoU) discussions, and agreed next steps aimed at translating dialogue into tangible partnerships.
Analysts say the initiative signals a shift toward more structured and commercially viable education cooperation between both countries, with potential benefits spanning student mobility, local capacity building, and skills development aligned to Nigeria’s economic priorities.
With sustained engagement expected in the months ahead, stakeholders believe the mission could mark a turning point in positioning Nigeria as a major destination for international education investment in Africa.
UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership
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