GOVERNOR UMAR NAMADI AGRICULTURE-ECONOMY REVOLUTION IN JIGAWA STATE

In the face of Nigeria’s pressing food security challenges and economic hardships, the narrative seems poised for change with Governor Umar Namadi affectionately stepping into agriculture revolution in the saddle.

H.E. Umar Namadi
Executive Governor Jigawa State.

He is currently spearheading initiatives to revolutionize agriculture and propel Jigawa State into a pivotal role in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable food security especially in the production of rice which is currently making the state to be contesting the number one rice producing state in Nigeria.

Governor Umar Namadi has launched an ambitious food security and farm mechanization programme to enhance food production and security. This initiative includes the procurement of tractors and the distribution of essential inputs such as rice millers, threshers, hammer mills, and fertilizers to farmers across the state.

A particularly noteworthy innovation is the government’s plan to allocate hectares of land to farmers, aiming to produce million tons of food, while providing them with farm inputs.

Additionally, the state has a larger plan to establish Agricultural Development Fund to not only encourage youth participation in agriculture but also address economic and social essentials.

Jigawa state’s renewed focus on agriculture is not only timely but resonates well with the overall drive towards repositioning Nigeria for sustainable food security and economic growth. There is no contesting the fact that Nigeria is facing what can mildly be described as economic turbulence and addressing this requires concerted efforts to support agricultural development. And since agriculture remains the low-hanging fruit in turning the nation’s fortune, governments at all levels must accord top priority to this all-important sector.

According to Special Assistant On Investment, Abubakar Muhammad Sani said, "there has been, justifiably so, persistent calls on the government to support agriculture. To fully appreciate this call, we must note that as global food demands continue to rise, with the World Bank forecasting a 70% increase by 2050, the agriculture sector will require $80bn in global investments every year. Food demand in Africa is projected to grow more rapidly, with the World Bank estimating that the total size of the market will approach $1trn by 2030". 

Abubakar Sanni also commend His Excellency, Governor Umar Namadi for his giant step to protect the students of the state against any insecurity by employing 9,974 safe school guards, saying the process is already yielding results.

Special Assistant On Investments Abubarka Sanni

Also a friend of the government in Jigawa State , Lawan Haruna explained further that good enough, transformative agenda extends beyond agriculture. Encapsulated in his “New Jigawa” policy which prioritizes other critical sectors like security, education, science and technology, agriculture, commerce, tourism, civil service, health, infrastructure/urban renewal, local government and traditional Institutions, revenue generation, women and youth development, the agenda reflects his commitment to holistic development".

"Truth be told, Governor Umar Namadi commitment to education is evident in actions such as prompt payment of teachers salaries and allowances" Lawan said.

As it is often said, roads are the arteries through which the economy pulses. It helps link producers to markets, workers to jobs, the sick to hospital and students to schools. Obviously aware of this, Governor Umar Namadi is focusing on road construction and work on the existing ones and creating new roads for a better network.

His Excellency , Umar Namadi has served as Commissioner for Finance of the State. He served as the deputy governor of Jigawa State between May 2019 and May 2023. He was elected as the governor of Jigawa State in 2023 under the platform of All Progressive Congress. Less than two years, he has succeeded in proving to the electorate who massively voted for him that they couldn’t have made a better choice.