Muhammad Alabira Nabordo
Jigawa Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with Hadejia/Jama’are River Basin Development (HJRBDA) to expand irrigation, mitigate flooding, and boost agriculture.
The Governor made this statement on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the HJRBDA management team, led by its Managing Director, Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi, at the Government House in Dutse.
Governor Namadi highlighted the vast potential of the Hadejia Valley, which has 24,000 hectares of land, with 6,000 already developed and 18,000 more targeted for agricultural use.
He expressed optimism that developing these additional hectares would significantly improve the livelihoods of the people.
The Governor also revealed that he had discussed the development of an additional 6,000 hectares with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has agreed to provide international resources for the project.
He said to enhance agricultural productivity, the state government is working to reactivate 10 abandoned dams, expand irrigation schemes in upland communities, and replicate the successful industrial borehole scheme in Lalashi in other parts of the state.
He explained that pecifically, the government plans to bring about 4,500 hectares into production, improving the livelihoods of its citizens.
Saying the industrial borehole scheme in Lalashi has been particularly successful, with over 120 households now committed to farming activities and no longer traveling outside their communities in search of livelihood.
The Governor said the HJRBDA has developed proposals to expand irrigation by 6,500 hectares in Jigawa State, in addition to several key projects approved by President Tinubu, including the Greater Dutse Water Supply Scheme and the repairs and maintenance of the Hadejia Barrage.
He reitereted ith the present 5,440 hectares net area developed, farmers are producing about 220,000 metric tonnes of food and cash crops valued at over ₦154.4 billion annually.
The 2025 appropriation includes over ₦28 billion for HJRBDA projects in Jigawa State, alongside ₦59 billion already earmarked for the Greater Dutse Water Supply.
