Jigawa State Opens Doors for Business at J-INVEST 2026 Summit

As the Second Jigawa State Economic and Investment Summit (J-INVEST 2026) kicked off on Wednesday in Dutse, Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, made a strong case for the state to be seen as the top investment spot in Northern Nigeria.

Speaking to a notable crowd that included Vice President Kashim Shettima, federal ministers, state governors, diplomats, and business leaders, Governor Namadi shared an ambitious economic plan backed by a huge ₦902 billion budget for 2026. A remarkable 76.9 percent of this budget is set aside for capital projects.

The summit, themed "Unlocking Opportunities, Driving Sustainable Growth for a Greater Jigawa," marks 13 years since the state’s first economic summit in 2013, which led to the creation of the State Investment Promotion Agency (InvestJigawa).

While addressing investors in Dutse, Governor Namadi emphasized that Jigawa is making significant investments in public infrastructure to encourage private sector investments.

From the nearly ₦902 billion “Budget of Innovation and Transformation,” over ₦396 billion is being directed into key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, power, and commerce. Furthermore, the state is investing ₦310 billion in human capital development, focusing on health and education.

“These choices show that Jigawa is investing in the public foundations on which private capital can build, operate, and grow,” Governor Namadi stated. “We are not presenting ourselves as a finished product. We come as a serious partner with fertile land, hardworking people, peaceful communities, a stable investment climate, and the determination to turn resources into results.”

Strong Focus on Agribusiness

Mr Namadi pointed out that Jigawa’s vast resources provide great opportunities for commercial agriculture and agro-processing. The state has over 24,700 square kilometers of fertile land, including 411,000 hectares of Fadama wetlands suitable for farming all year round.

Jigawa is already Nigeria’s leading producer and exporter of sesame and hibiscus, and it ranks high in wheat, rice, and sorghum production. The state is moving towards large-scale industrial processing.

The Dangote Rice Mill, now almost complete, will process 350 tonnes of rice daily. Together with 20 other local mills, Jigawa will soon be able to process about 1,800 tonnes of rice daily.

The governor also mentioned a partnership with AfricaRice and successful hybrid rice farming by Great Northern Agribusiness and the Lee Group, which will significantly increase local yields.

Access to Land

Through the state’s FRILIA framework (Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agriculture), more than 13,000 hectares of land have been allocated to verified investors since 2024.

Beyond agriculture, the governor showcased the state’s focus on infrastructure. In the last three years, Jigawa has completed 25 road projects (340km) and awarded 48 new road contracts covering over 1,000 kilometers to connect rural areas with markets.

Regarding energy, the state is working with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and KEDCO to set up solar mini-grids. Ongoing solar projects are expected to produce 7MW of power for public institutions. This initiative has also attracted a new solar panel assembly investment at the Maigatari Border Free Zone.

The governor urged manufacturers to take advantage of the Gagarawa Industrial Park, aimed at medium and large-scale manufacturing, as well as public-private partnership (PPP) projects in the new Medical Village in Dutse.

Federal Reforms Boosting Investor Confidence

Governor Namadi praised the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He noted that efforts by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) have significantly improved investor confidence.

Citing recent federal data, he said total capital importation into Nigeria rose to $23.22 billion in 2025. Foreign direct investment (FDI) increased by 36.8%, going from $674.71 million in 2024 to $923.01 million in 2025.

Moving from talk to action, Governor Namadi urged organizers and investors to ensure J-INVEST 2026 delivers clear results. He directed InvestJigawa officials at the summit’s “deal rooms” to set strict timelines and measurable outcomes for every Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed.

“Bring serious ideas to Jigawa, and you will find a government ready to engage, facilitate, and follow through,” Governor Namadi challenged the international business community. “Let the record of this Summit be seen not only in speeches, photographs, and signed documents, but in farms expanded, factories completed, power delivered, skills gained, and families lifted into greater prosperity.”