Jigawa attracts proposed $2bn Chinese investment for Free Trade Zone, industrial projects

Jigawa State has moved closer to securing one of its biggest foreign investment commitments after a Chinese technology and industrial development firm signalled plans to invest about $2 billion in the state’s industrial sector, with a focus on reviving the Maigatari Border Free Trade Zone and establishing multiple manufacturing ventures.

The proposed investment emerged at the end of a four-day assessment visit by a delegation from the Chinese firm Hefei Shengwen Information Technology Company Limited, which toured key economic assets across the state before holding talks with Governor Umar Namadi in Dutse.

President and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Ren Mingyong, said the delegation was impressed by Jigawa’s investment climate and had already commenced discussions with the state government on a joint venture arrangement.

According to him, the company is considering investments of approximately $2 billion, primarily targeted at the Maigatari Border Free Trade Zone and other strategic locations across the state.

“We have carefully assessed the business environment in Jigawa State and have seen a friendly and promising investment climate,” Ren said, adding that plans were underway to establish seven industries within the free trade zone and other designated industrial hubs.
He expressed confidence that the proposed partnership would be built on trust and mutual benefit, describing it as the foundation for a long-term relationship between the investors and the state government.

Responding, Governor Namadi described the development as a strong endorsement of Jigawa’s economic reforms and efforts to attract foreign direct investment.
The governor said the interest shown by the Chinese firm was a direct result of the state government’s investment outreach programme, including a recent mission to China where officials visited five provinces and nearly 40 industrial facilities in search of potential partners.

“That visit convinced us that we had found credible and dependable partners, which informed our invitation for them to visit Jigawa State,” he said.
Namadi noted that during their stay, the investors inspected several strategic assets, including the Maigatari International Livestock Market and the Gagarawa Industrial Park, among other sites earmarked for industrial development.

He assured the delegation that the state government would provide the necessary support, transparency and enabling environment required for the success of the proposed projects.

The governor also disclosed that both parties were preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to serve as the framework for implementing the investment partnership.

If finalised, the investment is expected to boost industrialisation, create employment opportunities and strengthen Jigawa’s position as a commercial gateway linking northern Nigeria to regional markets across West Africa.