Jigawa targets Chinese investment drive to boost Maigatari Free Trade Zone

Governor Umar Namadi has intensified efforts to position Jigawa State as a destination for foreign investment, assuring Chinese investors of a stable and business-friendly environment to support industrial growth and economic expansion.

Namadi gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the Chinese firm Hefei Shengwen Information Technology Company Limited at the Government House in Dutse.

The delegation, led by the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Ren Mingyong, was accompanied by officials of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) and representatives of firms involved in electric vehicle manufacturing, renewable energy, construction, agricultural machinery and industrial infrastructure.

The governor described the visit as a follow-up to Jigawa State’s recent investment mission to China, where government officials toured manufacturing facilities and held discussions with industrial groups across several provinces.

According to him, the return visit by the Chinese investors reflects growing international confidence in Jigawa’s economic direction and industrial potential.

“This visit is a continuation of the discussions we began during our trip to China. We appreciate the fact that you honoured your commitment to visit Jigawa State and explore areas of partnership with us,” Namadi said.

He stated that his administration was focused on expanding infrastructure, deepening industrialisation and attracting strategic investments capable of creating jobs and supporting local businesses.

The governor added that insights gained during the China tour would help the state realise its ambition of transforming the Maigatari Free Trade Zone into a regional commercial and industrial hub.

“You have demonstrated capacity, experience and strong industrial networks. From what we saw during our visit to China, we are convinced that we are engaging with credible partners who can support our long-term development objectives,” he added.

Officials of the BCDA said the engagement formed part of wider efforts to attract private investment into border communities and unlock economic opportunities around the Maigatari Free Trade Zone.

They disclosed that discussions had already commenced with private sector players and relevant federal institutions on long-term industrial and technical partnerships.

Speaking on behalf of the Chinese delegation, Ren described Namadi as a visionary leader committed to development and economic transformation.

He said talks between both sides centred on industrial development, border security, economic expansion and infrastructure growth.

Ren disclosed that the delegation included executives from Shandong Linyi Hengtai Industrial Company, Shenzhen Langsha Automobile Company and Yunnan Construction Investment Group.

He also announced plans to retain four technical personnel in Nigeria to support BCDA projects and ongoing development initiatives linked to Jigawa State.

“We are ready to combine Chinese technology, equipment and industrial solutions with the realities and development priorities of Jigawa State so that together we can build a prosperous future,” he said.

The delegation is expected to tour strategic investment locations in the state, including the Maigatari Free Trade Zone, as discussions on possible areas of cooperation continue.