In a bold move to revolutionize agriculture in Jigawa State, Governor Malam Umar Namadi has unveiled a series of transformative agricultural projects aimed at accelerating mechanization and attracting international investment into the sector.
The development was disclosed by Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Jigawa State.
Key among the initiatives presented at a high-level bilateral meeting in Abuja on Tuesday are the establishment of an Organic Fertilizer Plant, a YTO Tractor Assembly Plant, a 6,000-hectare irrigation project in Hadejia wetlands, an Integrated Halal Products Hub with a 2,500-animal daily capacity, and a Commodity Exchange with a Warehouse Receipts System.
The meeting brought together representatives from global agricultural giants such as SINOMACH, China CAMC Engineering Company Ltd, YTO Group Corporation, and Agra Consortium Ltd, alongside officials from Nigeria’s National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND).
Governor Namadi, who led the Jigawa delegation, said the projects formed part of the state’s Legacy Agricultural Projects Investment Prospectus, designed to position Jigawa as a leading agribusiness and agro-industrial hub in Nigeria.
“We are laying the foundation for sustainable agricultural modernization in Jigawa. With over 80 percent of our 2.47 million hectares being arable land, and more than 240 water bodies, the potential is enormous,” he stated.
Welcoming the international partners, Governor Namadi appreciated the presence of SINOMACH’s Vice President Mr. Li Xiaoyu and other stakeholders, saying the renewed engagements build on fruitful discussions held in Beijing last December.
The governor noted that since assuming office in 2023, his administration had launched significant reforms including the establishment of the Jigawa Farm Mechanization Company, disbursement of ₦900 million for imported farm equipment, and creation of 60 service centers across all constituencies. Additionally, 720 equipment operators have been trained, with 30 technicians trained in China to sustain the mechanization efforts.
He also announced the formalization of the Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Agency, which will oversee farmer mobilization, sustainable practices, and demand-driven innovations to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
“Our goal is simple: modernize agriculture, create jobs, ensure food security, and make Jigawa a beacon of agribusiness in West Africa,” Governor Namadi said.
Also speaking at the event, SINOMACH Vice Chairman Li Xiaoyu said the partnership with Jigawa State exemplifies the future of agricultural cooperation in Nigeria.
“We are proud to be leaders in agricultural equipment manufacturing. Our cooperation with Jigawa State is a model we hope other states will emulate,” he noted.
The meeting also explored future investment areas such as renewable energy, advanced irrigation, and the revitalization of the Jigawa Export Processing Zone in Maigatari, further underlining the state’s drive to attract global investors.
The event marks another milestone in the state’s broader Agricultural Transformation Agenda, reinforcing Governor Namadi’s vision of leveraging agriculture as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development.
