INVESTJIGAWA 2026: Jigawa opens new chapter in investment, economic development

INVESTJIGAWA 2026: Jigawa opens new chapter in investment, economic development



By Ali Baba-Inuwa
Gov. Umar Namadi has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to unlock Jigawa State’s vast investment potential, positioning the state as a premier destination for private investment through strategic reforms, infrastructure development and sector-focused opportunities designed to accelerate economic growth, industrialisation and job creation.

The governor made the declaration on Wednesday during the opening session of the Second Jigawa State Economic and Investment Summit (INVESTJIGAWA 2026) at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Dutse.

The summit, themed “Unlocking Opportunities, Driving Sustainable Growth for a Greater Jigawa”, was formally declared open in the presence of Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, alongside governors, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, captains of industry and investors from across Nigeria and beyond.

Welcoming participants, Governor Namadi described the summit as a defining moment in Jigawa State’s economic journey and a deliberate effort to convert the state’s comparative advantages into sustainable investments and shared prosperity.

“This summit is therefore designed as a working platform to move us beyond aspiration to disciplined execution, creating viable and valuable opportunities for investors while translating our commitments into lasting prosperity for our state, our people and our nation,” he said.

Namadi explained that the second edition of the investment summit builds upon the foundation laid by the inaugural summit held in 2013, which led to the establishment of the Jigawa State Investment Promotion Agency (InvestJigawa). According to him, the current summit represents a renewed determination to transform opportunities into investments, innovation into enterprise and partnerships into sustainable economic growth.

Highlighting the state’s investment credentials, the governor noted that Jigawa possesses over 24,700 square kilometres of fertile arable land, including more than 411,000 hectares of Fadama wetlands suitable for year-round farming, abundant irrigation resources, a peaceful business environment, a youthful and hardworking population, and strategic access to markets across Northern Nigeria and the neighbouring Niger Republic.

“Jigawa is already known as the foremost producer and exporter of sesame and hibiscus, the leading producer of wheat, and one of the major producers of rice, sorghum, millet, industrial tomatoes, vegetables, and other crops that can support large-scale value addition.”

Namadi said the Greater Jigawa Vision and his administration’s 12-Point Agenda continue to provide the policy direction for investments in agriculture, infrastructure, energy, the digital economy, education, healthcare, private sector development and vocational skills.

He disclosed that the 2026 budget, valued at nearly ₦902 billion, allocates more than ₦693 billion, representing 76.9 per cent, to capital expenditure, with over ₦396 billion dedicated to economic sectors and more than ₦310 billion invested in human capital development, demonstrating the state’s commitment to creating the public infrastructure upon which private investment can thrive.

The governor revealed that Jigawa has facilitated 64 actualised investments over the past three years across agriculture, renewable energy and manufacturing, while identifying commercial agriculture, agro-processing, livestock, irrigation, mechanisation, renewable energy, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, digital commerce, enterprise finance, solid minerals, real estate, transport, cross-border trade, the Maigatari Border Free Zone and the Gagarawa Industrial Park as priority investment destinations.

He also highlighted the Dangote Rice Mill, expected to process 350 tonnes of rice daily, alongside about 1,800 tonnes per day from twenty other rice mills, as clear evidence of growing investor confidence in Jigawa’s agricultural economy.
Namadi further highlighted ongoing partnerships with AfricaRice, Great Northern Agribusiness and the Lee Group to strengthen rice production and improve agricultural productivity.

He also pointed to emerging investment opportunities in the Diagnostic and Cardiac Centre within the Medical Village in Dutse, the Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences, renewable energy, and other strategic sectors. He disclosed that through InvestJigawa and the FRILIA framework, about 13,000 hectares of land have already been allocated for investment proposals since 2024, while the state continues to simplify access to land, permits and investor support services.

The governor noted that significant investments in transport and energy infrastructure are creating an enabling environment for businesses. He said the administration has completed 25 inherited road projects covering about 340 kilometres, awarded 48 new road contracts spanning more than 1,000 kilometres, and is implementing solar energy projects with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), which are expected to generate about 7 megawatts of electricity for public institutions and support industrial development.

Namadi expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the federal government’s continued support for economic reforms that are strengthening investor confidence and improving the ease of doing business across the country.

Earlier, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, commended Governor Namadi for convening the summit and described Jigawa as one of the states demonstrating how subnational governments can drive Nigeria’s economic transformation.

“Jigawa State undoubtedly possesses enormous economic opportunities waiting to be unlocked. This investment summit demonstrates the determination and readiness of His Excellency, Malam Umar A. Namadi, to reposition the investment ecosystem of the state.”

The Vice President also praised Namadi’s leadership in agriculture, noting that ‘During the last wheat production season, nearly 40 per cent of Nigeria’s wheat production came from Jigawa State.”That is no ordinary achievement.” He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting investments in agriculture, energy, infrastructure and enterprise development through ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.