By Aminu Dalhatu
Thousands of farmers operating under the Bakolori Irrigation Scheme in Zamfara State have expressed optimism over the ongoing intervention by Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar to rehabilitate critical facilities at the Bakolori Dam and restore effective irrigation services.
The intervention which facilitated by the Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District and Chairman, Senate Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, is aimed at addressing longstanding challenges that have affected farming activities and agricultural production in the area.
The Bakolori Irrigation Scheme, one of Nigeria’s largest irrigation projects, has over the years suffered from faulty water control gates, siltation and blocked secondary drainage channels, limiting access to irrigation water and affecting dry-season farming.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to the rehabilitation site, the Project Manager of the Bakolori Irrigation Scheme, Alhaji Umar Adamu, described the intervention as timely and capable of transforming the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
He said the importance of the intervention could hardly be quantified and expressed appreciation to Senator Yari for responding to the longstanding concerns of farmers operating under the scheme.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Bakolori Water Users Association, Alhaji Yakubu Abubakar Marafa, described the intervention as a major relief for more than 80,000 registered and unregistered members of the association.
He said Senator Yari had demonstrated responsive representation by listening to the concerned of his constituents and taking practical steps to address challenges affecting their livelihoods.
Alhaji Marafa also pledged to mobilise members of the association to support Senator Yari in discharging his responsibilities as Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
He also pledged to mobilise farmers to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Findings by our correspondent indicated that, following a request dated October 4, 2026 by the APEX Water Users Association, Senator Yari directed K.K. Technologies Limited to commence immediate rehabilitation of the affected facilities.
The ongoing intervention covers the repair of a faulty water gate supplying the irrigation network, servicing of another functional gate and the desilting of between 20 and 30 secondary drainage channels.
It also included an assessment of Anka, Bukkuyum and NATO dams to determine the extent of their challenges and recommend necessary measures.
Beyond the immediate rehabilitation works, the intervention provides for the empowerment of Water Users Associations with fertiliser, tractors, mini-tractors, power tillers, combine harvesters and semi-automatic and motorised transplants.
Arrangements are also being made to ensure proper maintenance and effective utilisation of the equipment.
Senator Yari has further pledged to engage the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to secure a lasting solution to the recurring problem of situation at the Bakolori Dam.
When completed, the intervention is expected to improve water distribution across thousands of hectares of farmland, increase rice production and restore the Bakolori Irrigation Scheme’s position as a major agricultural hub in Zamfara State.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
