…partners Saudi Arabian investors on date palm production
Jigawa State Government says it has invested about N304 billion in construction of 47 new road projects, covering 977 kilometres, since the advent of the present civil administration in Nigeria.
Governor Umar Namadi made the statement during the official opening of the Auyo-Ayama Road. The newly constructed 9.5-kilometre road was built by Alren Construction Company for N3.8 billion.
Governor Namadi stated that at the request of local communities, the road project was extended to Ayama and reinforced with structures to prevent flooding, expressing confidence that the road would last and benefit residents for years to come.
He said, “The road about to be commissioned today—Auyo-Hakudau-Kafardau-Tigin-Anauya-Ayama Road—is a 9.5 kilometres road constructed by Alren Construction Company at the cost of about N3.8 billion.
“It is worthy of note that, following popular demand by the catchment communities, we have extended the length of the road to Ayama and taken further initiative to redesign the road in order to safeguard it against the perennial floods this area is known for.”
Meanwhile, as part of move aimed at expanding agribusiness and agricultural production in the State, the Jigawa State Government, has entered into a discussion with Saudi Arabian investors for the purpose of boosting the production of date palm on a commercial scale.
Hints about the plan to establish the date plantation was made known, Tuesday, when Governor Umar Namadi received a delegation of Saudi Arabia farmers at Government House in Dutse, the Capital of Jiqawa State.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Namadi expressed his administration’s full support for the initiative, saying, “it aligns with the State’s agricultural development agenda. We warmly welcome you to Jigawa State and appreciate your interest in working with us. As a government, we are fully committed to this collaboration because it will greatly benefit our people.”
Read also: Governor Umar Namadi: Braving odds and delivering quality service to Jigawa people
He addded, “Your visit and willingness to partner with us on establishing date farms across the state, as well as improving our wheat production, align perfectly with our vision for agricultural development. Jigawa is already the leading producer of wheat in Nigeria, and we are determined to maintain that position. With your technical expertise and modern technology, we are confident that we can further strengthen our wheat production.
“Additionally, while we are already recognised as the top producer of dates in Nigeria, our goal is to move beyond meeting local demand and begin exporting to international markets.”, he stated.
Speaking earlier, Abubakar Musa Bamai, CEO of Netay Agro-Tech, a Nigerian company consulting for the project, highlighted the extensive groundwork already done, including soil analysis and consultations with research institutions.
He announced that four highly sought-after date palm varieties —Mejdool (Meju), Barhi (Bari), Sukkari (Sukari), and Ajwa—had been identified as ideal for large-scale cultivation in Jigawa State.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
