Namadi Woos Investors with N902bn Capital
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi presented a N902 billion budget focused on investment and development projects.
- The state aims to attract local and foreign investors across sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
- Jigawa highlighted its competitive advantages, including vast agricultural land, a youthful workforce, and strategic market access, while showcasing ongoing projects like the Dangote Rice Mill.
Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi has declared the state open for business, unveiling a N902 billion investment-driven budget and a portfolio of bankable projects designed to attract both local and foreign investors. The governor urged investors to capitalize on emerging opportunities spanning agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Speaking at the Second Jigawa State Economic and Investment Summit (J-INVEST 2026), Governor Namadi emphasized that the state has moved beyond promotion to actual project delivery, citing 64 realized investments over the past three years. The summit, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other dignitaries, focused on 'Unlocking Opportunities, Driving Sustainable Growth for a Greater Jigawa'. Namadi highlighted policy reforms, infrastructure expansion, and investor-friendly initiatives as key to positioning Jigawa as a prime investment destination.
The state's 2026 budget significantly prioritizes capital expenditure, allocating 76.9%, or over N693 billion, to capital projects. A substantial portion, more than N396 billion, is dedicated to economic sectors, with additional funding for education and healthcare to bolster human capital. "We are investing in the public foundations on which private capital can build, operate, and grow," the governor stated.
Jigawa State boasts significant competitive advantages, including over 24,700 square kilometers of fertile agricultural land, extensive Fadama wetlands suitable for year-round farming, abundant irrigation resources, and a youthful workforce. Its strategic location provides access to regional markets in northern Nigeria and neighboring Niger Republic. The state is a leading producer of sesame and hibiscus and a major producer of wheat, rice, sorghum, millet, tomatoes, and vegetables. Investment opportunities are diverse, ranging from commercial agriculture and agro-processing to renewable energy, logistics, and manufacturing. Flagship projects like the Dangote Rice Mill, with a daily processing capacity of 350 tons, are expected to create thousands of jobs and enhance food security.
We are investing in the public foundations on which private capital can build, operate, and grow.
Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.