Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has unveiled a bold plan for the state to contribute 50% of Nigeria’s rice needs by 2030.
He made the announcement during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission RMAFC, led by Ambassador Desmond Akawor.
Governor Namadi revealed that the state cultivated over 200,000 hectares of rice in 2024 and aims to increase that to 250,000 hectares in 2025, with a long-term goal of 500,000 hectares by 2030.
This expansion is projected to yield 3.6 million metric tons annually, half of the nation’s rice requirement.
He emphasized agriculture as the backbone of Jigawa’s economy, with 85% of the population engaged in the sector.
“The state has also achieved breakthroughs in dry-season farming, especially in previously unproductive, desert-prone regions. Efforts are underway to expand irrigation infrastructure, enabling year-round cultivation.”
The governor noted that these innovations have reduced youth migration by creating sustainable agricultural livelihoods within the state.
Namadi also highlighted Jigawa’s leadership in other crop sectors, including sesame, hibiscus, and wheat. “The state contributes 75% of Nigeria’s non-oil agricultural exports and leads in sesame and hibiscus production”.
With additional support, he said Jigawa could also meet half of Nigeria’s wheat needs, and that administration is aggressively pushing to bring more land under cultivation and further develop irrigation systems.
On natural resources, the governor mentioned Jigawa’s potential in minerals and oil but stressed a cautious, peace-focused approach to extraction, prioritizing the safety and well-being of residents.
Earlier speaking, the leader of the RMAFC delegation, Ambassador Akawor commended the state’s efforts and said the Commission’s visit was part of its mandate to assess state-level projects for a special 1.68% revenue allocation.
He assured a fair review and praised Jigawa’s commitment to agricultural and economic transformation.
Usman MZ
