In a grand ceremony held at the Council Chambers in Government House today, Governor Mallam Umar Namadi unveiled the Jigawa State Agriculture Policy Document (2024–2030), which aims at transforming agriculture and improving food security in the state.
Top state government officials and a powerful delegation from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and Procom+ witnessed the event.
The policy, based on the administration’s 12-point agenda, offers a strategic roadmap for transforming the state’s agricultural sector into a thriving center of innovation, productivity, and shared prosperity.
Unveiling the policy document, Governor Namadi highlighted the significance of the new agriculture policy, emphasizing it as a fulfillment of his administration’s promise and a testament to their mutual accountability framework.
The Governor noted the critical need for the policy to reflect the state’s vision for transforming its agricultural sector through expanded irrigation infrastructure and the introduction of mechanization.
“We felt there was a need to develop the agriculture policy in order to reflect the thinking we have about turning around the agricultural sector,” he said.
Governor Namadi, therefore, extended his gratitude to the FCDO for their untiring commitment to Jigawa State in several spheres of development.
Dr. Saifullahi Umar, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, provided insights into the policy review process, saying that the new policy review was conducted to align with the administration’s aspirations for agricultural development, ensuring job creation and employment for the state’s predominantly young population.
Dr. Umar highlighted Jigawa’s potential, with its agrarian economy and a population of nearly 8 million, including over 3 million youths. He said that the state government envisions agriculture as a vehicle for transforming the state, generating internal revenue, and contributing to social development.
“The ultimate goal is to position Jigawa as a hub for agro-industrial activities in Nigeria and West Africa,” Dr. Umar said.
Also, Mr. Abubakar Tijjani, FCDO Regional Director, commended the unveiling of the policy, noting that it aligns perfectly with the commitments of both international partners and the federal government. He reaffirmed the FCDO’s dedication to supporting the state government in developing an agricultural policy and investment strategy.
Hamisu Mohammed Gumel,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Jigawa State
June 13, 2024
