Namadi unveils aquaculture expansion plan at Kalgwai fishing festival

Umar Namadi, Jigawa State Governor, at the weekend, unveiled plans to expand aquaculture investment as part of efforts to boost fish production and improve livelihoods across the state.

The governor made this known during the 2026 Kalgwai Fishing Festival, held at the Kalgwai Barrage Waterfront, where fishermen, farmers, community leaders, and other stakeholders gathered for the one-day event.

Namadi said the annual festival had evolved beyond a cultural celebration to become a strategic platform for economic development, particularly in the fisheries sector.

“For us, the Annual Kalgwai Fish Festival goes beyond cultural or historical celebrations. It is a bold initiative to ensure that fisheries development receives the highest priority.

“A number of the water bodies in the state have been restocked in addition to the production of millions of fingerlings and support to fishermen through training and provision of modern fishing equipment,” the governor stated.

According to him, the efforts are aimed at increasing fish production, improving livelihoods, and ensuring the sustainable management of aquatic resources.

Namadi also reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to sustaining the momentum through increased budgetary allocations.

“To sustain the momentum of progress, substantial provisions have been made in the 2026 Approved Estimate for all aspects of livestock development,” he said, adding that the move reflects “our unwavering commitment to transforming the sector through infrastructure development, capacity building, and strategic partnerships.”

The governor further highlighted the role of the festival in promoting unity among diverse groups within the state.

Abdurrahman Salim, Professor and Commissioner for Livestock Development, earlier in his remarks, described the festival as both a cultural and economic milestone.
“This festival is not only a celebration of our rich cultural heritage but also a powerful reflection of our collective commitment to sustain the livelihood, food security, and economic prosperity of our dear state,” he said.

Salim outlined key initiatives being implemented by the government, including youth and women capacity-building programmes, restocking of water bodies, and expanded fish production schemes.

He noted that the State Government had approved the hatching of five million fish to boost production, alongside plans to distribute modern fishing equipment to cooperatives and local fishermen.

“The ongoing approval given by His Excellency to hatch five million fish will significantly boost fish production in the state,” he said.

The Kalgwai Fishing Festival, first introduced in 2003 and recently revived by the current administration, continues to serve as a platform for promoting fisheries development, strengthening community ties, and expanding economic opportunities in Jigawa State.