Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has said his government is building strong and lasting foundations for changing agriculture into a productive, tech-friendly, and profitable sector. This change aims to improve lives and create jobs for the people.
He made this statement on Friday during the launch of the Nigeria AgriConnect initiative and the CGIAR System Board Dinner at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan. He talked about Jigawa State’s agricultural progress and its growing partnership with IITA.
According to him, the state’s focus on agriculture as part of the 12-Point Agenda for Greater Jigawa is already leading to real investments and changes designed to boost productivity, strengthen value chains, and make farming more sustainable and profitable.
“Jigawa is a leading producer of rice, wheat, and sesame. We are expanding irrigation and dry-season farming, strengthening extension services, and extending mobile veterinary services across all 287 wards,” he said.
Namadi also mentioned that the state has created the Agricultural Transformation Agency and the Ministry of Livestock Development. These bodies aim to provide focused leadership, coordination, and accountability in advancing agricultural development.
He said the government’s investments are specifically aimed at addressing key issues affecting agricultural productivity, including access to machinery, extension services, entrepreneurship, research, and innovation.
He revealed that the state has set up 60 mechanization centers, with support from 400 tractors and 60 combine harvesters. The number of agricultural extension agents has also increased to nearly 2,000.
The governor added that Jigawa has started a partnership for an agribusiness incubation programme. This programme aims to develop 10,000 entrepreneurs and help create at least 500 new small and medium-sized businesses.
He mentioned that this initiative is part of the government's larger goal to move agriculture beyond just growing food. It connects farmers with technology, finance, processing, markets, and business opportunities.
Namadi explained the changes happening at the Jigawa State Agricultural Research Institute, noting that the institute is being improved to ensure that agricultural research meets the real needs of farmers and the agricultural sector.
He said the research focus includes important areas such as seed systems, soil health, irrigation, livestock productivity, post-harvest management, and agro-processing. Targeted research scholarships and specialized training, including MSc and PhD programmes, are also strengthening the skills needed for this transformation.
The governor added that these investments are supported by the state’s partnership with IITA. This partnership helps apply science, research, and innovation to the specific agricultural challenges and opportunities in Jigawa.
He said the partnership focuses on several areas, including better varieties of maize, soybean, and cassava; soil health and mapping; stronger seed systems; pest and disease management; competitive value chains; and youth-led agribusiness.
“What excites us most is the opportunity to connect IITA’s science and innovation with Jigawa’s land, farmers, institutions, and entrepreneurial energy,” the governor said.
He emphasized that the main goal is to ensure that research reaches farmers, improved technologies raise productivity, increased production connects to processing and markets, and agriculture creates viable businesses and decent jobs for young people.
The governor said Jigawa State is committed to working with IITA, CGIAR, the Federal Government, development partners, financial institutions, and investors. This collaboration aims to turn knowledge and innovation into clear improvements in agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
He noted that the success of the partnership will be measured by better yields, healthier soils, reliable seed systems, less post-harvest loss, stronger value chains, successful agribusinesses, higher farm incomes, and better access to nutritious food.
He invited the leadership of the CGIAR System Board and other partners to visit Jigawa State to see the changes happening in the agricultural sector.
“Together, let us show what is possible when science, government, farmers, young people, and markets work together,” he said.
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