Gombe SPIN Targets 11,000 Hectares Irrigation Expansion in Balanga

The Gombe State Coordinator of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project, Engr. Mohammed Kabir Aliyu, has commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for aligning the state with the Federal Government and World Bank-backed SPIN initiative aimed at boosting food security and agricultural productivity.

Engr. Kabir gave the commendation on Tuesday while receiving the State Monitoring and Evaluation team from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning at the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) office in Gombe.

The delegation was led by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mrs. Ruth Edward Baka.

Speaking during the visit, the SPIN Coordinator explained that the project is designed to improve food sufficiency nationwide through the expansion of irrigable land by over 500,000 hectares, alongside targets in irrigation modernization, sustainable agriculture, and hydropower generation.

He disclosed that the Balanga Irrigation Scheme in Gombe South is expected to cover more than 11,000 hectares of irrigable farmland under the project.

According to him, the initiative will also establish an integrated Agricultural Processing Cluster to promote value addition, create jobs, and strengthen the agricultural value chain in the state.

“The governor’s commitment to this project shows a clear understanding that agriculture, power, and water are the tripod for sustainable development,” Engr. Kabir stated.

He further noted that the SPIN project includes modern water delivery systems, improved on-farm water management practices, and the integration of small hydropower facilities where feasible.

Kabir added that stakeholder consultations, beneficiary mapping, and environmental safeguard assessments are currently ongoing ahead of the commencement of civil works at Balanga and other designated locations.

Earlier, Mrs. Ruth Edward Baka said the Monitoring and Evaluation team visited the SPIU office to assess implementation progress in line with approved plans, evaluate the impact on beneficiaries, identify operational challenges, and document lessons for improved execution.

She praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya for partnering with development agencies to implement projects capable of transforming livelihoods and accelerating development across the state.

The SPIN Monitoring and Evaluation Officer alongside other SPIU staff were also present to receive the visiting delegation.

The Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project is a Federal Government initiative supported by the World Bank, focusing on irrigation modernization, agricultural productivity, and sustainable power development in Nigeria.