J-INVEST:Jigawa, becoming a role model for others in Investment, Economic Development
By Ali Baba-Inuwa
By the successfully hosting of the 2nd Jigawa Economic and Investment Summit, the Gov. Umar Namadi led administration in Jigawa State, has again proven to the world its readiness to fully harness the numerous potential of the state towards the social and economic development of the people.
With a whopping $140 dollars investment commitment, the summit tagged ‘J-INVEST 2026’ with the theme”Unlocking Opportunities, Driving Sustainable Growth for a Greater Jigawa”, has actually lived up to its billing of opening a new chapter in investment and economic development of the state.
It is worthy of note to state that the amount was much higher than the $40 million projected by the State Government.
The $140 million investment according to the State Investment Promotion Agency, was in three major sectors of livestock development, hospitality and renewable energy.
Shedding more light on the investments, the Director-General of the agency, Hajiya Aisha Shehu Mujaddadi, said that $12,200,000 of the amount was for investment in livestock development, which would see the state harness its potential in livestock development.
Mujaddadi said that $42million was also proposed for the Dutse Hotel and International Conference Centre project.
“For the proposed Dutse Hotel and International Conference Centre, we have $42 million. There is also another project on Jigawa Renewable Energy project which will cost $85 million.
“So, we have a total of $140 million investment proposals as the outcome of this summit,” Mujaddadi said at the closing of the two-day summit in Dutse.
Speaking at the opening, Gov. Umar 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 had 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, 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.
Looking at the large turn out of participants at the summit, one could easily say that it has indeed opened a new chapter for the state interms of investment and economic development.
For the entire two-day duration of the summit, the participants, mostly local and international investors, kept themselves busy by enquiring on the various investment opportunities in the state.
It is also note worthy to state that about 10 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were signed between the Jigawa State Government and some would be investors at the end of the summit.
Lastly, the heavy presence of the Federal Government delegation at the summit, led the Vice-President Kashim Shettima was also reassuring to investors that their investment would not be in vain.
Some stakeholders who spoke at the summit lauded Gov Umar Namadi for the successful hosting of the event.
Speaking at the sideline of the summit, the National Vice-President of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) Alhaji Ahmad Rabiu, lauded the Governor for successfully hosting of the Summit, saying the state has become a role model for others to copy in economic development.
Rabiu, also the Chairman, Northern States Conference of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture(CONSCCIMA) stated that the governor had demonstrated courage and patriotism by surmounting numerous obstacles to ensure hitch free hosting of the summit with attract large number of foreign and local investors.
Rabiu, also a former Chairman, Kano Chamber of Commerce and investment and Chairman and Chief Executive of Mashasha Investments & Commerce Company Limited, said that the governor deserved commendations for achieving the feat in a very short while.
“I was a foundation member of the Jigawa Investment Promotion Agency (InvestJigawa), I served as a member of the governing board of the agency under the leadership of the former Deputy Governor of Jigawa, who is also a former senator, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia.
“When we started, there was nothing on the ground, but when you look at the situation now, lots have been achieved, like I said, we started a fresh, with nothing on the ground, what kept us moving was the tremendous support of the former Deputy Governor, who was always available as the chairman of the agency.
“We also had support from the world bank and other financial institutions who were on hand with technical advice and support; that was all we got.
“Initially, we had to start by sensitising and enlightening the people on the activities of the agency, we had to mobilise the people to get to know what we were out for,” he said.
Rabiu, also a one-time Kano State Commissioner for Commerce, said Jigawa State had achieved so much through the investment promotion agency.
“Today things are much different, so much have been achieved and the Agency which is more visible now and its operations are well known all over the world.
“Things have been spelled out clearly on how a potential investor could invest in agriculture, renewable energy, tourism and leisure and so on.
“Look at the number of participants at this summit, so many foreign and local investors willing to partner with the State Government to invest their money in the various sectors of the state.
“And again, the successful hosting of the 2026 Investment Summit under the chairmanship of the Vice-President Kashim Shettima with the Federal Government reassuring support is an indication of a great success.
“It shows how committed the Jigawa government is, to hasten the development of state by harnessing its full potential in the various sectors of the economy.
“I want to commend Gov Umar Namadi for the success summit, although he is an accountant by calling, he has been able turn things around in the state for the better. He has demonstrated commitment through effective leadership by turning things around in the state, he has been able to showcase the numerous Investment opportunities in the state,” Rabiu said.
The former Kano State Commissioner, stated that the signing of different Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and private investors, was an indication that the numerous efforts had begun to yield dividends.
“And this has begun to yield dividends, with the number of investors coming into the state, millions of jobs will be created, in agriculture alone many unemployed youths will be engaged, the same thing will happen in other sectors.
“For the government, there will be tremendous increase in government revenue and this will lead to more projects in infrastructure development, educational, healthcare and other areas.
“And this will improve the standard of living of the people,” he said.
Rabiu called on entrepreneurs, businessman and wealthy individuals in the state to take advantage of the government’s gesture by investing their money in the state for posterity.
“So I’m appealing to the people especially, indigenes of the state who are wealthy, to take advantage of the opportunity by investing their money in the state.
“We must join hands with the government to bring the needed investment to Jigawa not for immediate gains but for the sake of our unborn children and the generation yet to come, ” he said.
Others who spoke also commended the governor for a well-done job.
In conclusion, the successful hosting of the 2nd Jigawa Economic and Investment Summit has no doubt opened a new chapter in investment and economic development of the state, although the summit has come and gone, its memories will linger on for a very long time as many investors flood the state in search of opportunities to invest.
