Jigawa signs MoU with investors on 100,000-hectare alfalfa production project

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State on Wednesday presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a consortium of major investors for the large-scale production of alfalfa, securing a commitment from the state government to provide up to 100,000 hectares of land for the project.

The initiative is set to become one of the largest alfalfa production ventures in Africa, according to Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Dutse.

He said the MoU was signed following a visit by a high-level delegation led by Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Read also: Namadi to invest ₦81bn in six regional roads to boost Jigawa economy

Speaking after the signing, Governor Namadi reiterated Jigawa’s total commitment to agriculture and livestock development, describing agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy.

He said, “Agriculture is the lifeblood of this state. About 90% of our population depends on it for their livelihood, and it contributes more than 50% of our GDP. Any serious government that genuinely aims to uplift its people should prioritise agriculture.

“We are number one in wheat production, and this year alone, we cultivated 315,000 hectares of rice. Our plan to achieve 500,000 hectares by 2030 is fully on track.

“Livestock is synonymous with agriculture. That is why we deliberately created the Ministry for Livestock this year. Jigawa is home to the largest livestock market in Africa, the Maigatari market and this project will further strengthen our leadership.

“The project is targeting 100,000 hectares. I want to assure you that we will make all of that available over time.”

Governor Namadi said, “We are the most peaceful state in Nigeria today. Jigawa is safe, open for business, and committed to providing all the support you need.

“We have a one-stop-shop investment platform—InvestJigawa—that manages everything from land allocation to regulatory processes. You have found a committed partner.

“As a government, we will do whatever it takes. This business is profitable—you have the land, the labour, the security, and the political will. Everything you need is here.”

In his remarks, Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA Director General stated that the project aligns directly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s priority agenda on food security and expanded agricultural production, confirming that the initiative will take off immediately.

“Priority number two of the President’s agenda focuses on boosting agriculture to achieve food security. The investment-friendly climate in Jigawa is one of the key reasons we are bringing this project here,” he said.