Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Screens Niger State
*By Safiya Yaman*
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, in collaboration with the World Bank, has conducted a screening of the Niger State Government for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) project.
The screening took place on July 1, 2025, and was carried out by Aisha Ismail Njidda, an Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist and Consultant for the SPIN project.
Areas such as Chanchaga, Tagwai, and Lapai Gwari were evaluated for environmental and social safeguards related to this World Bank intervention in Niger State.
This screening is a critical step in advancing the proposed SPIN Irrigation Scheme, which aims to enhance sustainable agriculture and improve energy access in the state.
During the screening, Njidda outlined the objectives of the Environmental and Social Screening exercise, emphasizing the importance of compliance with international safeguard standards and the need to mitigate potential risks to communities and ecosystems.
She highlighted the alignment of the SPIN project with the State’s New Niger Agenda for agricultural transformation and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure, as championed by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s administration.
In response, Akilu Musa Kuta, the Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Water Resources and Dams Development, reiterated that the state government is prepared to meet all the conditions outlined in the World Bank partnership framework.
He stated that Niger State is open to collaborations that promote sustainability and inclusive growth, further emphasizing the focus of the SPIN project on creating a greener power and more productive irrigation future for the state.
Additionally, the Permanent Secretary and the SPIN project team, led by Consultant Njidda, paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in his office ahead of the project intervention.
