Nigeria’s federal government and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) are going to spend N46.592-billion (US$364-million) on agricultural projects in the country.

Some of the projects include the building of water-control structures such as dykes, ponds and micro-earth dams. The aim is to provide water for irrigation, livestock, fish farms and for human consumption.

The federal government will provide 60% of the money, while the FAO will contribute 40% of the amount needed for the project. The funding for the expanded phase of the National Programme for Food Security was obtained from the Islamic Bank for Africa Development, African Development Bank and Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa.

N550-million was originally allocated in 2006 for the construction of micro-earth dams, concrete dykes and ponds across Nigeria. An additional N1-billion was later allocated for similar projects.

To ensure the programme is a success, the FAO has promised to provide: