Jigawa State is uniquely positioned to become a leading industrial hub for agro-allied industries, given its abundant agricultural resources and solid mineral deposits.
Over 60% of the state’s landmass is arable, making it suitable for cultivating both food and cash crops. Furthermore, Jigawa’s fertile land can be utilized year-round during the rainy and dry seasons, ensuring consistent agricultural productivity.
Governor Umar Namadi has made agriculture the cornerstone of his transformative agenda. His administration aims to achieve self-sufficiency in food production while creating an enabling environment for establishing agro-allied industries. This strategy is expected to drive job creation and wealth generation for the people of Jigawa.
Strategic Advantages for Industrialization
The key requirements for industrial development—availability of raw materials and proximity to markets—are readily accessible in Jigawa State. Institutional support from the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority and the Sugar Development Company further enhances the state’s capacity to harness its agricultural potential. This institutional framework makes Jigawa an attractive destination for industrial investments.
Revitalizing Key Industries
To unlock its industrial potential, Jigawa must focus on reviving critical industries. For instance:
• The Hadejia Sugar Industry should be resuscitated to fulfill its intended purpose of value addition together with Gumel Flour Mill and the Kazaure Tomato Puree Factory, which were privatized but have not yielded the desired outcomes, should be reactivated through an outright buy-back arrangement or Public Private Sector Partnership. Similarly the proposed establishment of a mango juice factory in Shafar in Ringim local government by a foreign investor should be revisited to boost economic growth and prosperity in the state.Governor Namadi’s Visionary Leadership
Governor Umar Namadi’s academic and professional background as a Chartered Accountant, with extensive experience in investment assessment and analysis, positions him to identify and harness investment opportunities effectively. His track record of integrity and dedication provides a solid foundation for implementing a rapid industrialization agenda.
The recent planned transformation of tax administration, particularly Value Added Tax (VAT), underscores the need for Jigawa to look inward and restructure its revenue generation strategies.
Economic Independence and Investment Appeal
Since its creation in 1991, Jigawa has remained economically reliant on Kano State, which has hindered its full economic potential. Governor Namadi’s administration is committed to breaking this dependency by creating a self-sustaining economy that will be driven by Industrial development of the state
Jigawa offers a safe and attractive environment for investment, with advantages such as::
1) Lower production costs due to affordable labor and low tenement rates.
2) Uninterrupted electricity supply.
3) Efficient transportation networks, including railways, air cargo via the Dutse Cargo Airport, and well-maintained roads.
4) A Free Trade Zone in Maigatari, simplifying trade with neighboring countries like Niger and Chad, as well as access to the broader ECOWAS market.
Strengthening Economic Infrastructure
Governor Namadi’s administration aims to revive key industries, including:
1) The Hadejia Sugar Production Plant.
2) The Gumel Flour Mill and Kazaure Tomato Factory.
3) The Ringim Mango Processing Plant and
4) Birninkudu Dairy Plant.
The government should collaborate with financial institutions such as the Bank of Industry and the Nigerian Development Bank to secure funding for these projects. This can achieved by Jigawa Invest Company. It can also collaborate with Nigeria Investment Promotion Company in exploring and identifying foreign investors who might be interested in investing in the state
In another development it is believed that the state has abundance of Uranium deposit in commercial quantity. This was revealed by the former Military Governor of for North Western State made up of present Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States Alhaji Usman Farouk Commissioner of Police retired in a video clip.
It is advisable for Governor Umar Namadi to take up the issue with Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals for the benefit of the country in general and the state in particular.
Conclusion
Governor Umar Namadi is unwavering in his commitment to transforming Jigawa State into an industrial hub of national and international significance. By leveraging the state’s resources and creating a conducive investment climate, his administration is poised to elevate Jigawa to greater economic heights.
Mahmud Shuaibu Ringim
HALIM Consulting Ltd
Kano
mahmudshuaibu44@gmail.com
