Jigawa State Teams Up with Presidential CNG Initiative for Alternative Energy

The Jigawa State Government has promised to strengthen its partnership with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV). This effort aims to improve alternative energy infrastructure and promote the use of compressed natural gas (CNG), especially in farming.

Governor Umar Namadi shared this news on Tuesday during a visit from the Chairman of the Presidential Initiative, Ismaeel Ahmed, and his team at the Government House in Dutse.

Governor Namadi explained that Jigawa is interested in CNG for more than just transport. He mentioned that affordable energy for irrigation is key to lowering farmers' production costs and keeping farming activities going.

He pointed out that energy costs make up more than half of what farmers spend to operate. This high cost is pushing some farmers away from their farms.

"As of today, energy costs constitute more than 50% of the operating expenses of our farmers," the governor said.

He added that the state plans to change irrigation pumps from using regular energy to CNG. This is part of their strategy to cut down production costs, along with offering other subsidies for farming supplies.

"On this initiative, the state government is ready to bear the cost of conversion for the targeted farms. For us, going into CNG is a matter of necessity," he stated.

The governor emphasized that this plan is crucial for the state’s dry-season wheat and rice farming efforts. He reiterated that Jigawa aims to cultivate 500,000 hectares of wheat by 2030 and produce four million metric tonnes of rice each year by then.

He also mentioned that the government is prepared to provide land and other support to make this initiative successful. This includes working with private investors.

Earlier, Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed described Jigawa as a key area for expanding CNG infrastructure. He noted its location between Kano and the Northeast, the availability of land, and the state government's interest in alternative energy.

He revealed that the presidential initiative is in talks with private investors to create a significant alternative energy hub in Jigawa. This hub could support vehicles and heavy-duty transport along major routes.

The chairman also mentioned that they are working to increase the number of CNG conversion centers in the state. The goal is to have at least 30 centers by December 2026, depending on local investors’ interest.

He added that they will also look at working with the state government to set up electric vehicle charging points as part of the broader alternative energy plan.

The governor welcomed these ideas and confirmed Jigawa State's readiness to collaborate with the Presidential Initiative, investors, and other relevant partners to push for the development of alternative energy infrastructure.

He said this cooperation would support the state’s investments in irrigation and agricultural mechanization. It would also help reduce food production costs and improve the lives of farmers.