GOV. NAMADI: PRIVATE INVESTMENT TO BOOST LOCAL CONTRACTORS, JOBS IN JIGAWA
By Ali Baba-Inuwa 
Governor Malam Umar Namadi has reaffirmed the Jigawa State Government’s commitment to strengthening indigenous contractors and expanding employment opportunities through private-sector investment in the state.
He made this assertion when he commissioned three production facilities established by ALREN Construction Company in Dutse, the state capital.
The facilities, comprising an asphalt plant, a concrete batching plant and a precast plant, represent an investment of approximately ₦3.5 billion and are expected to improve local access to construction materials, reduce sourcing challenges for contractors and stimulate economic activities across Jigawa State.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Namadi said the investment aligned with his administration’s 12-Point Agenda, particularly its focus on private-sector partnership, employment generation and economic expansion.
“One of our 12-Point Agenda is in action today in this place. That is a partnership with the private sector to generate employment and increase economic activities in Jigawa State,” he said.
The Governor said that the facilities would provide indigenous contractors, particularly small-scale operators, with easier access to asphalt and other essential construction materials without having to travel outside the state to procure them.
According to Governor Namadi, the availability of these materials within Jigawa would reduce operational difficulties for local contractors, strengthen their capacity to execute projects and support the growth of indigenous businesses in the construction industry.
“Our indigenous small contractors in Jigawa State will now have no reason to travel outside Jigawa State to get asphalt for the work they are doing.”
The governor described the investment as an example of how private-sector participation could complement government efforts to expand economic opportunities, strengthen local enterprises and create sustainable employment.
He said that the facilities had already employed 265 people, all of them indigenes of Jigawa State, adding that the company’s chairman had pledged to increase the workforce at the facilities to 500 by the first quarter of 2027.
Governor Namadi also stated that the employment generated by the investment would stimulate economic activities through workers’ earnings and contribute to government revenue.
He commended ALREN Construction Company for investing in Jigawa State and assured the company of the government’s continued cooperation and support.
“The Jigawa State Government will continue to work with you, because you are a very good partner to us.”
The governor further encouraged the company to explore investment opportunities in other sectors of the state’s economy, reiterating his administration’s commitment to maintaining an enabling environment for private businesses to thrive.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of ALREN Construction Company, Engr. Salim El Ters, said the investment was designed to strengthen the company’s operational capacity, support construction development and create employment opportunities.
“Our main concern today is to strengthen our capacity to support construction development and create valuable employment opportunities,” he said.
Engr. El Ters disclosed that the company planned to increase its overall workforce from 935 to approximately 1,170 employees, with about 30 percent of the additional employees expected to be recruited from Jigawa State.
He expressed appreciation to the state government for its support and for creating an environment conducive to private-sector investment.
