Jigawa State signs landmark deal for 100,000-hectare Alfalfa project
Muhammad Alabira Alabira
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a consortium of investors for a large-scale alfalfa production project, aimed at driving livestock development and boosting the state’s economy.
The project, one of the largest alfalfa initiatives in Africa, is expected to generate mass employment, expand export revenues, and improve the livelihoods of herding communities, especially Fulani pastoralists.
This was contained in a the release signed by Mohammed Hamisu Gumel, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and made available to our correspondent on Thursday.
He said the MoU was signed with investors including NEXIM Bank, MOFI, Jaiz Bank, Capemano, Alami Capital, EL-Meena Farms, and Matura Farm, among others.
Governor Namadi reiterated Jigawa’s commitment to agriculture and livestock development, highlighting the state’s impressive accomplishments in crop production, including its ranking as the second-best state in Nigeria for ease of doing business.
The alfalfa project is expected to transform the livestock sector, with the potential to boost milk production, meat quality, and breeding outcomes.
Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Salim Mohammed, described alfalfa as a “transformative high-protein forage crop” capable of generating mass employment and expanding export revenues.
He said the project represents a multi-billion-naira investment and is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s priority agenda on food security and expanded agricultural production.
NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa stated that the project will take off immediately, citing Jigawa’s investment-friendly climate as a key factor in the decision to invest in the state.
Governor Namadi assured investors of the state’s readiness to provide the full 100,000 hectares required for the project, emphasizing Jigawa’s peaceful environment and investor-friendly framework as major advantages.
