Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has called for stronger strategic partnerships to unlock the state’s investment potential and drive sustainable economic growth.
Namadi made the call on Wednesday at the opening of the Second Jigawa State Economic and Investment Summit, tagged J-INVEST 2026, held in Dutse.
The summit brought together investors, development partners, diplomats, business leaders, financial institutions and government officials to explore investment opportunities across the state.
Speaking at the event, the governor said the summit was conceived as a practical platform to move beyond discussions and deliver tangible investment outcomes.
He noted that the initiative would create opportunities for investors while promoting long-term prosperity by connecting them with bankable projects and measurable development outcomes.
According to Namadi, the summit builds on the success of its maiden edition held in 2013, which led to the establishment of InvestJigawa, and is aimed at converting opportunities into investments and innovation into enterprise.
The governor disclosed that Jigawa had facilitated 64 investments across agriculture, renewable energy and manufacturing, adding that the state’s competitive advantages include vast fertile land, irrigation infrastructure and a youthful workforce.
He identified more than 411,000 hectares of Fadama wetlands as one of Jigawa’s greatest economic assets.
Highlighting the state’s commitment to infrastructure and economic development, Namadi said the 2026 budget of about ₦902 billion prioritises capital expenditure, with more than 76 per cent allocated to capital projects.
He added that over ₦396 billion had been earmarked for agriculture, infrastructure and industrial development to create an enabling environment for private sector growth.
The governor listed agriculture, agro-processing, livestock, renewable energy, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, solid minerals and cross-border trade as key sectors targeted for investment.
Namadi also credited InvestJigawa’s one-stop investment platform and the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA) with boosting investor confidence, revealing that about 13,000 hectares had been allocated for investment proposals under the framework since 2024.
Encouraging participants to maximise the opportunities offered by the summit, he said:
“Use the Summit to test opportunities, meet partners, structure projects and move from ideas to commitments.”
He further highlighted flagship projects supporting the state’s investment drive, including the Dangote Rice Mill, Gagarawa Industrial Park, the Medical Village and the Maigatari Border Free Zone.
The summit is expected to generate fresh investment commitments, strategic partnerships and development projects that will support private sector-led growth and accelerate Jigawa State’s economic transformation.
