The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, has unveiled the Jigawa State Agriculture Policy Document (2024–2030) with the aim of revolutionizing agriculture and enhancing food security within the state.
The unveiling ceremony occurred at the Government House, Dutse, on Friday, and was graced by senior officials of the State Government as well as a distinguished delegation from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and Procom.
In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, it was mentioned that the policy is anchored on the administration’s 12-point agenda and provides a strategic blueprint for elevating the state’s agricultural sector into a thriving nucleus of innovation, productivity, and collective prosperity. Gumel quoted the Governor as underlining the importance of the new agriculture policy, portraying it as the realization of his administration’s pledge and a testament to its shared accountability framework.
He noted the imperative nature of the policy to mirror the state’s vision of revamping its agricultural sector through the expansion of irrigation infrastructure and the implementation of mechanization.
“We recognized the necessity to formulate the agriculture policy to encapsulate the ideology we have concerning the rejuvenation of the agricultural sector,” he remarked.
Namadi, in turn, expressed his appreciation to the FCDO for their unwavering dedication to Jigawa State across various developmental spheres.
Dr. Saifullahi Umar, the Governor’s Technical Adviser on Agriculture, shed light on the policy review process, indicating that the recent policy review was conducted to align with the administration’s ambitions for agricultural progress, ensuring the creation of job opportunities and employment for the state’s predominantly youthful populace.
Umar accentuated Jigawa’s potential, with its agricultural economy and a populace of almost 8 million individuals, including over 3 million young people.
He articulated that the State Government envisions agriculture as a conduit for transforming the state, generating internal revenue, and contributing to social advancement.
“The ultimate objective is to position Jigawa as a nucleus for agro-industrial pursuits in Nigeria and West Africa,” he articulated.
On his part, Mr. Abubakar Tijjani, FCDO Regional Director, commended the introduction of the policy, observing that it harmonizes seamlessly with the commitments of both international partners and the Federal Government.
He reiterated the FCDO’s commitment to assisting the State Government in formulating an agricultural policy and investment strategy.
