Gov Namadi launches new policy to boost food security in Jigawa

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has launched the Jigawa State Agriculture Policy Document (2024–2030) aimed at transforming agriculture and improving food security in the state.

The launch took place at a ceremony held at the Government House,Dutse, on Friday,and was attended by top officials of the State Government and a powerful delegation from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and Procom+

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, said the policy is based on the administration’s 12-point agenda and offers a strategic roadmap for transforming the state’s agricultural sector into a thriving center of innovation, productivity and shared prosperity.

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Gumel quoted the governor as highlighting 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.

He said 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.

Namadi, therefore, expressed 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, gave 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.

Umar highlighted Jigawa’s potential, with its agrarian economy and a population of nearly 8 million people, 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,” he said.

On his part,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.