Katsina Boosts Food Security with Are Dam Irrigation Project

KATSINA, Nigeria – Katsina State intensifies its drive for food security as the government inspects dredging equipment at the Are Dam, a critical irrigation project designed to support dry-season farming across 600 hectares of arable land.

The inspection marks a strategic step by the administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda to expand irrigation farming, reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture and cushion the effects of climate variability. Officials say the project will significantly improve water availability for farmers across surrounding communities.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Kaulawa Mohammed, says the inspection confirms steady progress on the dredging works aimed at increasing the dam’s water-holding capacity.

Briefing the governor at the site, Managing Director of the Katsina State Water Board, Dr Tukur Hassan Tingilin, outlines the scope of the operation and the heavy equipment deployed for the exercise. He explains that the dredging will restore the dam’s functionality and enhance year-round irrigation potential.

Governor Radda expresses satisfaction with the pace of work and reiterates his administration’s resolve to complete the project swiftly.

“Our goal is to ensure this dam supports large-scale irrigation farming, improves food production and strengthens livelihoods across Katsina State,” Radda says.

He adds that revitalising water infrastructure remains central to his Building Your Future Agenda, which prioritises agricultural transformation as a driver of economic growth and food sufficiency.

The governor stresses that irrigation projects like the Are Dam are essential to stabilising food production amid changing climate patterns. Once completed, the project is expected to directly benefit thousands of farmers, boost crop yields and stimulate local economies.

Senior government officials and technical experts accompany the governor during the inspection.

About the Author

Hussaini Ibrahim

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Hussaini Ibrahim is a journalist with Africa Health Report (AHR), covering Northern Nigeria with a focus on public health, the environment, and development. He holds a B.A. (Ed) in English from Northwest University, Kano, and brings several years of professional reporting experience. Passionate about accountability and social justice, he specialises in people-centred stories that expose the impact of policies on communities while amplifying the voices of those often excluded from decision-making. X (Twitter): @Mohamme85500159

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