Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, says his administration is charting a bold path to transform the state through massive investment in agriculture, infrastructure, and energy.
Speaking after signing two landmark laws the Ministry of Livestock Development Law and the Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Service (JATS) Law 2025 the governor said the new institutions will drive industrial-scale farming and unlock the state’s livestock market potential.
“We are moving from subsistence to industrial agriculture. This is how Jigawa will create jobs, strengthen food security, and build resilience for the future,” Namadi declared.
Agricultural Drive
The government has set an ambitious target of cultivating 250,000 hectares of rice in 2025, with projections to double this figure to 500,000 hectares by 2030. If achieved, Jigawa would supply half of Nigeria’s rice needs, producing an estimated 3.6 million metric tons annually.
Mechanization has already improved yields from 2.5 to 4.5 tons per hectare, with ongoing efforts to raise productivity to as high as 10 tons per hectare. Over 1,700 extension workers are being deployed to support farmers with improved seeds, irrigation facilities, and agronomic training.
Infrastructure Expansion
Namadi’s administration is also investing heavily in infrastructure. More than ₦304 billion has been committed to 47 rural road projects spanning 977 kilometers. Out of 26 inherited road projects, 23 have been completed and are ready for commissioning.
In the power sector, Jigawa has created a Ministry of Power and Energy, passed a new electricity law, partnered with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) for renewable energy rollout, and acquired a 10% equity stake in Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) to improve supply.
Industrialization Agenda
The government is pursuing partnerships for projects including an organic fertilizer plant, a tractor assembly line, a Halal products hub, and a commodity exchange system. A major agro-industrial zone is also underway in Gagarawa, backed by the African Development Bank, to boost processing and value-chain development.
Budget Commitment
Under the ₦698 billion 2025 “Budget of Innovation and Transformation”, the state allocated ₦136 billion to agriculture and ₦148 billion to infrastructure, with additional funding for education, healthcare, housing, and MSME support.
Namadi said these investments reflect his administration’s vision of building a “Greater Jigawa” anchored on innovation, industrialization, and inclusive growth.
