Jigawa Seals Chinese Investment Pact to Transform Maigatari Border Economy
Hussaini Ibrahim 
JIGAWA, Nigeria – The Jigawa State Government, on Monday signs a joint venture agreement with Shandong Hengtai Industrial Trading Company to develop the Maigatari Border Free Zone in a move aimed at boosting industrialisation, trade and foreign investment.
The agreement, facilitated by the Border Communities Development Agency, covers the financing, construction, operation and management of the free trade zone along the Nigeria–Niger border.
Governor Umar Namadi describes the partnership as a strategic step toward unlocking Jigawa’s economic potential through international collaboration and private sector participation.
“This partnership represents our determination to build a stronger and more competitive economy for Jigawa State,” Namadi says.
“The Maigatari Border Free Zone will not only open new investment opportunities but also enhance trade, manufacturing, logistics, and economic integration across the region.”
The government says the project aligns with the administration’s 12-Point Agenda on economic growth, infrastructure, agriculture, job creation and human capital development.
Under the agreement, the free zone will be transformed into a modern industrial and logistics hub supporting manufacturing, agro-processing, warehousing and export businesses.
Officials say the project is expected to create jobs for young people and small-scale entrepreneurs while improving internally generated revenue.
The agreement is signed on behalf of the state by Secretary to the State Government, Bala Ibrahim, while Zhang Ying signs for the Chinese investors.
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Mirian Gom 
Oluwatobi Adu 