…As Jigawa moves to strengthen agriculture
Major stakeholders in Northern Nigeria believe that President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies are gradually transforming the region by addressing the nexus between multi-dimensional poverty and insecurity. During a recent tour of ongoing projects in the North West, observers noted that the region—historically hampered by natural disasters and banditry—is finally receiving the strategic attention required to drive sustainable development.
Ahmed Maiyaki, Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, attributed this shift to a deliberate resolve to rebuild the North under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that an increase in federal revenue allocations has significantly enhanced the capacity of states to deliver impactful projects, particularly in rural communities where farmers are now being resettled and roads rebuilt.
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Infrastructure and skills acquisition drive regional stability
The federal government’s commitment is further evidenced by the timely release of funds for the Kaduna-Kano-Jigawa-Katsina-Maradi railway line. Abdullahi Yakubu, a Director at the Federal Ministry of Transportation, stated that this financial support has been vital in fast-tracking critical infrastructure. Parallel to transport, human capital development has become a priority to curtail youth involvement in crime.
In Jigawa, the state has established eight skills acquisition centres to engage youths in economically viable ventures. Muhammad Ubali, Director-General of the Jigawa State Economic Empowerment and Youth Employment Agency, revealed that these facilities provide training in diverse fields, including CNG conversion, ICT, and automobile engineering. The programme’s success is already attracting international interest, with the Liberian government reportedly sending 30 students for training.
Jigawa strengthens position as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse
Jigawa State is leveraging its status as a premier agricultural hub through massive investments in mechanisation. Sagir Ahmed, Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports, and Culture, noted that agriculture contributes over 60 percent of the state’s GDP. Jigawa currently leads national production in sesame seeds—contributing 75 percent of Nigeria’s total output—and is a top producer of hibiscus, rice, and wheat.
To sustain this growth, Governor Umar Namadi’s administration has deployed 300 tractors and various harvesters through the Jigawa State Agricultural Mechanisation Agency. Ado Nasiru, the agency’s Managing Director, explained that the state has established 60 service centres and trained dozens of technicians in China to maintain the equipment. This mechanised approach aims to increase farmer income while providing stable employment for the youth.
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Healthcare and erosion control projects advance in Kano
In Kano State, the developmental push extends to urban infrastructure and healthcare. Significant projects include the N47 billion Jakara Erosion Project in Dala and the renovation of the Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital. Additionally, a N1 billion specialist hospital renovation and the construction of strategic bridges, such as the “Taleudi Bridge,” are expected to ease urban congestion and improve service delivery.
Efforts to bolster food security continue with the renovation of the nine-kilometre irrigation project at Kumpada. This dam is expected to provide essential water resources for the agriculturally rich South Eastern parts of Kano, ensuring that the current momentum in the North’s economic recovery is maintained through the dry season.
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