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Tag: Jigawa

  • Jigawa, Argentina strengthen livestock ties as Nigeria advances Alfalfa‑led export strategy

    Jigawa, Argentina strengthen livestock ties as Nigeria advances Alfalfa‑led export strategy

    Governor Umar Namadi-led Jigawa State Government is translating federal livestock reforms into subnational action through strategic partnerships aligned with the Jigawa State Agricultural Transformation Policy.

    A major milestone in this effort was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Jigawa State Government and El‑Meena Farms Ltd, which launched the Jigawa Alfalfa Value Chain Development Initiative.

    The project targets a 100,000-hectare mega-estate from a 1,000-hectare pilot, an annual output of 2.0 million metric tonnes of alfalfa, and over 100,000 jobs, positioning Jigawa as the hub of livestock feed production and agro-exports in Nigeria and West Africa.

    To ensure evidence-based execution and learn from proven global models, Governor Namadi recently led a high-level delegation of public and private stakeholders on a technical and investment engagement to Córdoba Province, Argentina.

    Argentina, well advanced in research-driven agriculture, smart irrigation, mechanisation, and agro-industrial development, is currently the world’s second-largest producer of alfalfa, with Córdoba serving as its largest production hub.

    The Nigerian mission included officials of the Jigawa Government, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), El-Meena Farms Ltd, Jigawa El-Meena Farms (the SPV), Nigeria Export‑Import Bank (NEXIM), Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Jaiz Bank, Saudi Arabia’s Alkhorayef Group, and Cape Mano Agriculture.

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    The delegation toured major forage processing and animal nutrition facilities, including Megafardos del Norte, Nafosa, Pellfood, and Biofarma S.A., gaining first-hand exposure to large-scale alfalfa production, feed processing, livestock nutrition systems, and export logistics.

    The mission also visited the Governor of Córdoba Province, culminating in the signing of an additional MoU between Jigawa State and Córdoba Province. It formalises cooperation in livestock development, sustainable alfalfa production, irrigation innovation, applied research, and agro-industrial value chains.

    Facilitated by NITDA, under its Regional Digital Innovation and Investment Programme (RegDIIP), the Argentina engagement demonstrates how technology, applied research, and international partnerships can unlock regional competitive advantage.

    Insights from NITDA and the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme (MIT-REAP) further validate alfalfa as an impactful feed input capable of improving livestock productivity, reducing feed shortages, easing farmer–herder tensions, and supporting export-driven systems.

    The Jigawa-El‑Meena MoU signed in December 2025 aims to cultivate 100,000 hectares of premium alfalfa, with projected annual export revenues estimated between $440 million and $540 million. Alkhorayef Group is the technical partner for irrigation infrastructure.

    At the signing ceremony in Dutse, Governor Namadi, who described the project as a cornerstone of his administration’s economic agenda, noted that it represents an economic bridge between Nigeria and the Middle East.

    “By combining Jigawa’s vast land resources with El-Meena’s operational expertise and Saudi Arabia’s superior irrigation technology, we are building a secure, high-value export corridor that aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the governor said.

    The scheme is structured around the NEXIM Bank–Saudi EXIM Bank export-financing window, with an initial $5 million capital outlay earmarked for advanced centre-pivot irrigation systems for the 1,000-hectare pilot phase.

  • NDLEA seizes N2.8bn drugs, secures 136 convictions in 2025 in Jigawa

    NDLEA seizes N2.8bn drugs, secures 136 convictions in 2025 in Jigawa

    The Jigawa State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded breakthroughs in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, seizing over 1.9 tonnes of drugs amounting to over N2.8 billion.

    This was disclosed by the state commandant, Mr Hassan K. Kabaju, while speaking to the news men on the command’s performance in 2025, the command has secured 136 convictions in the year under review.

    Mr Hassan K. Kabaju explained that a total of 577 suspects were arrested across the state, comprising 558 males and 19 females, during various operations aimed at cutting off the supply of hard drugs and other psychoactive substances.

    According to him, “The command has succeeded in tracked and confiscated large quantities of illicit drugs, including cannabis sativa, psychotropic substances, and other harmful exhibits such as Exol-5 and rubber solution, with a combined weight of 1,944.389 kilogrammes which had been quantified to the tune of N2.8 billion.”

    On prosecution, the Command said it recorded remarkable success at the Federal High Court in Dutse, where 136 drug-related cases were successfully prosecuted and concluded within the year.

    He noted, “The Jigawa State NDLEA in the year under review go beyond arrest, prosecution and compensation, it’s also intensified efforts on rehabilitation and prevention where a total of 552 drug users were referred for counseled, while 59 drug-dependent persons were sent for treatment and rehabilitation at the Drug Demand Reduction Unit (DDRU) facility, following family and parental intervention”.

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    The Command also scaled up its advocacy under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign. It delivered 39,383 drug abuse prevention lectures and sensitization programmes across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), government agencies, drug-free clubs, civil society groups, as well as through print and electronic media.

    Kabaju maintained that “despite the gains, the command identified inadequate operational vehicles and a shortage of essential administrative and operational equipment needed to effectively cover the entire state as key challenges confronting the command.”

    The Commandant attributed the achievements recorded to the dedication of its officers and the support received from the National Headquarters and the Jigawa State Government, expressing optimism that greater success would be achieved in the coming years.

  • Jigawa distributes 70 motorcycles to boost school monitoring, curb out-of-school children

    Jigawa distributes 70 motorcycles to boost school monitoring, curb out-of-school children

    The Jigawa State Government has intensified efforts to address the challenge of out-of-school children with the distribution of more than 70 motorcycles to education monitors to enhance school supervision and improve access to remote and hard-to-reach communities across the state.

    The Commissioner for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Isah Yusuf Chamo, flagged off the distribution at a brief ceremony, describing the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening school monitoring, improving access to rural schools and ensuring that no child is left behind.

    Prof. Chamo explained that the motorcycles were procured following the approval of Governor Malam Umar Namadi, after education monitors raised concerns about the difficulty of accessing rural senior secondary schools, particularly during the rainy season.

    “We have over 300 senior secondary schools in Jigawa State, many of them located in rural areas. Some are extremely difficult to access, particularly during the rainy season. These challenges affect effective monitoring and our drive to bring out-of-school children back into the classrooms,” the commissioner said.

    He noted that the lack of mobility had limited the ability of monitors to regularly visit schools, assess learning conditions and identify gaps contributing to school dropouts and poor enrolment in rural communities.

    “With these motorcycles, monitors can now reach every nook and cranny of the state, observe what is happening in our schools and report promptly. This will help government to identify problems early, provide support where needed and address factors pushing children out of school,” he added.

    The commissioner stressed that constant monitoring remains key to addressing challenges such as absenteeism, poor infrastructure and low enrolment, which often fuel the out-of-school children crisis.

    Prof. Chana assured that adequate logistics and maintenance support would be provided to ensure the sustainability of the initiative, noting that monitors already receive allowances which would also cover vehicle maintenance.

    On the beneficiaries, he disclosed that the motorcycles would be shared among two categories: 49 education monitors covering senior secondary schools across the 27 local government areas, and members of the School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs).

    According to him, 17 motorcycles were allocated to SBMC members under the Ministry of Higher Education, while the remaining 10 for SBMCs would be provided through the basic education sector to ensure effective grassroots monitoring.

    He expressed optimism that the intervention would significantly strengthen education oversight, boost enrolment and contribute to reducing the number of out-of-school children in Jigawa State.

  • JUST IN: 16 feared dead in Jigawa canoe mishap

    JUST IN: 16 feared dead in Jigawa canoe mishap

    No fewer than 16 persons, including minors, have lost their lives in a tragic canoe accident in Adiyani village, Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

    Reports from the area indicated that the canoe, which was conveying more than 40 passengers, capsized while they were crossing the Adiyani River on their way home after concluding their activities in the village.

    Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Jigawa State Police Command, SP Lawal Shi’isu Adam, said the accident occurred at about midnight on Saturday.

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    According to him, 24 bodies have so far been recovered, while 10 persons were rescued alive. He added that several others remain unaccounted for.

    “The incident happened at midnight on Saturday as a result of water leaking into the canoe. Immediately, it was reported, security personnel mobilised a rescue team, including local fishermen, and were able to rescue 10 victims alive, while 24 deaths have been confirmed so far,” SP Adam said.

    Findings revealed that the victims were indigenes of neighbouring communities across the river in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State, who had visited the Adiyani market on Saturday.

    Search and rescue operations were ongoing at the time of filing this report, as authorities urged residents to exercise caution, particularly during nighttime river crossings.

  • Kano/Jigawa Customs seizes 20 diverted containers worth N769.5 million

    Kano/Jigawa Customs seizes 20 diverted containers worth N769.5 million

    The Kano/Jigawa command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 20 diverted transit containers valued at over N769.5 million, as it stepped up a nationwide campaign against cargo diversion and other trade infractions.

    The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, paraded the seizures at the Customs House of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command.

    Among the seized items were containers of ceramic and vitrified tiles, diesel engine oil, polyester materials, used clothing, printed and lace fabrics, medical consumables, and Zamzam branded bottled water, some of which are prohibited under the Common External Tariff.

    One suspect, Abdulrahman Sani Adam, has been convicted by the Federal High Court in Kano for container diversion and sentenced to three years imprisonment, with an option of a N3 million fine.

    Adeniyi said the operation was part of a coordinated national strategy to protect government revenue, secure trade routes and promote legitimate commerce.

    He disclosed that the containers were duly cleared from Nigeria’s seaports for movement to inland bonded terminals and Free Trade Zones but were unlawfully diverted to private warehouses and markets, in clear violation of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

    He disclosed that the seizures, recorded between the second and fourth quarters of 2025, comprised assorted goods such as ceramic and vitrified tiles, diesel engine oil, polyester materials, used clothing, printed and lace fabrics, medical consumables, and prohibited bottled water imports, with a combined Duty Paid Value of N769,533,666.

    While the interceptions occurred within the Kano and Jigawa axis, the Comptroller-General stressed that the operation reflects a nationwide enforcement push aimed at preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s trade corridors linking seaports, inland dry ports and Free Trade Zones across the country.

    Describing cargo diversion as a grave economic offence, Adeniyi warned that the practice leads to revenue losses, encourages smuggling, undermines fair competition and damages Nigeria’s reputation in the global trading system.

    The Customs boss explained that seven containers loaded with ceramic tiles valued at over N228 million were unlawfully diverted from the Kano Free Trade Zone and intercepted along the Hadejia Road corridor.

    To further tighten control nationwide, the Customs boss said the Service is in the advanced stages of deploying a comprehensive electronic cargo tracking system across all transit corridors, bonded terminals and Free Trade Zones.

    “The electric tracking system, already validated and accepted by the service in some Southern states, is ready for nationwide deployment across the operational terminals, with proven real-time cargo monitoring and early detection of route deviations,” he said.

    Adeniyi cautioned importers, shipping agents and freight forwarders against engaging in or facilitating cargo diversion, noting that violators would face prosecution, forfeiture of goods and loss of trading privileges.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to supporting the Federal Government’s trade facilitation and non-oil revenue drive, while urging stakeholders and members of the public to assist the Service by reporting suspicious trade activities.

  • Shortage of ophthalmologists fuels rising blindness in Jigawa, says Muhammad

    Shortage of ophthalmologists fuels rising blindness in Jigawa, says Muhammad

    A growing gap between the number of ophthalmologists required and those currently available in Jigawa State has been identified as a major factor driving the rising incidence of blindness, particularly among children.

    Findings from the state reveal that no fewer than 81,797 cases of eye-related complications were recorded in 2024 alone, highlighting a worsening public health challenge largely associated with cataracts and an acute shortage of eye care professionals.

    Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the former COVID-19 Isolation Centre in Dutse and organised by the Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS), the Acting Chairman of the Jigawa State Eye Health Committee, Dr. Usman Muhammad, described the manpower deficit as alarming.

    Dr. Muhammad, who also heads Ophthalmologist Development at the Rasheed Shekoni Teaching Hospital, said World Health Organisation (WHO) standards recommend at least four ophthalmologists and 10 optometrists per one million people.

    “With a population of over seven million, Jigawa State requires about 28 ophthalmologists and 70 optometrists to provide adequate eye care services,” he said.

    He noted, however, that the situation on ground falls far below this requirement. “Currently, across all state and federal health facilities, Jigawa has only three ophthalmologists and three optometrists, with no practising paediatric ophthalmologist or glaucoma specialist in the entire state,” he added.

    According to him, the impact of the shortage is more severe in rural areas. “We see no fewer than 50 patients daily, and out of these, between 15 and 20 are often totally blind,” he said.

    Dr. Muhammad identified cataracts as the leading cause of blindness, accounting for about 50 per cent of cases, in line with national and global trends.

    “Without a significant increase in eye care specialists, it will be difficult to reduce the backlog of preventable blindness caused by cataracts, glaucoma and other eye diseases,” he warned.

    Also speaking, the Eye Health Manager at HANDS, Mr. Abalis Dasat, attributed the worsening situation to limited access to healthcare facilities, poor public awareness of preventable eye conditions and the absence of disability-friendly health infrastructure.

    He said the HANDS initiative is focused on strengthening the healthcare system to ensure that people in hard-to-reach communities can access quality eye care services.

    Data from the Federal Ministry of Health indicate that about 24 million Nigerians live with some form of sight loss, while 1.3 million adults are completely blind.

    Experts estimate that 84 per cent of blindness in Nigeria is preventable or treatable, but gaps in awareness, funding and specialist care continue to undermine efforts to tackle the challenge. Cataracts account for between 43 and 45 per cent of avoidable blindness cases, while glaucoma—often described as the “silent thief of sight”—accounts for about 16.7 per cent and remains the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the country.

  • Jigawa, El-Meena farms launch $540m Alfalfa export push with Saudi group

    Jigawa, El-Meena farms launch $540m Alfalfa export push with Saudi group

    The Jigawa State Government and El-Meena Farms Ltd have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding to develop Nigeria’s largest fodder export corridor through the Jigawa Alfalfa Value Chain Development Project.

    The public-private partnership targets the cultivation of 100,000 hectares of premium Alfalfa with projected annual export revenues between $440 million and $540 million. Saudi Arabia’s Alkhorayef Group is the technical partner for irrigation infrastructure.

    The collaboration, which will create thousands of jobs, is structured around the NEXIM Bank–Saudi EXIM Bank export financing window, with an initial $5 million capital expenditure earmarked for acquiring advanced Center Pivot Irrigation Systems for the 1,000-hectare pilot phase.

    Through Capemano Consulting, its representative in Nigeria, Alkhorayef Group will deploy world-class irrigation technology to ensure year-round, high-yield production targeting GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, which require water-efficient, high-protein livestock feed.

    Governor Umar Namadi, who described the project as a cornerstone of his administration’s economic agenda, said that the initiative represents an economic bridge between Nigeria and the Middle East.

    “By combining Jigawa’s vast land resources with El-Meena’s operational expertise and Saudi Arabia’s superior irrigation technology, we are building a secure, high-value export corridor that aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said at the MoU signing in Dutse.

    Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa said that the project conforms to President Tinubu’s agenda on food security and expanded agricultural production, confirming that work starts immediately.

    “Priority number two of the President’s agenda focuses on boosting agriculture to achieve food security. The investment-friendly climate in Jigawa is one of the key reasons we are bringing this project here,” he explained.

    Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Salim Mohammed, illustrated Alfalfa as a transformative high-protein forage crop capable of boosting livestock productivity, generating mass employment, and expanding export revenues.

    At the signing ceremony were Mr. Abubakar Abba Bello, MD, Nigeria Export Import Bank; Mr. Haruna Musa, MD of Jaiz Bank; Dr. Armstrong Takang, CEO of Ministry of Finance Incorporated, and representatives from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and other institutions.

  • Jigawa govt awards N400m contract to renovate 1,500 classroom blocks

    Jigawa govt awards N400m contract to renovate 1,500 classroom blocks

    The Jigawa State government has awarded contracts worth over N400 million for the renovation of 1,500 blocks of classrooms across the state.

    The executive chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Professor Haruna Musa, made this known on Thursday during the opening of bids for the project at the SUBEB headquarters in Dutse.

    Addressing reporters shortly after the session, Prof. Musa said the renovation initiative is part of the government’s renewed commitment to improving education infrastructure in the state.

    He revealed that some of the structures earmarked for renovation were built only a year or two ago but failed to meet acceptable standards.

    The SUBEB chairman warned that contractors delivering substandard work would be compelled to return to the site to correct the defects at no extra cost to the government.

    According to him, the quality and durability of classroom infrastructure remain a top priority for the present administration.

    Prof. Musa stressed the need for strict monitoring of all projects, adding that payments would only be made after thorough verification of work done.

    Twenty-seven lots were opened during the bid exercise, with the chairman assuring all participants of a transparent and fair selection process.

    He cautioned that any contractor found violating contract specifications or compromising quality would be sanctioned.

    “The Jigawa State Government is committed to strengthening education infrastructure, and this project is part of that effort,” he added.

  • UNICEF, IWEI to return 1,500 out-of-school children to classrooms in Jigawa

    UNICEF, IWEI to return 1,500 out-of-school children to classrooms in Jigawa

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative (IWEI) and the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), is set to return about 1,500 out-of-school children to classrooms across Jigawa State.

    Executive Director of IWEI, Hajiya Amina Hanga, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the close-out event of the Building Community Power to End Harmful Practices project held at the Ahmadu Bello Hall, Jigawa State Secretariat, Dutse.

    Hanga said UNICEF and IWEI had concluded arrangements to reintegrate a significant number of project participants, most of whom are out-of-school children. She explained that the project, implemented across Jigawa and Katsina states, covered eight communities in four local government areas in Jigawa.

    As part of the initiative, IWEI and UNICEF worked closely with SUBEB to finalise all preparations for the children’s re-enrolment at appropriate class levels to ensure continuity in their education.

    Hanga noted that IWEI—established in 2009 as a non-governmental, non-profit organisation—focuses on equipping young women and girls with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to achieve financial independence and contribute meaningfully to society.

    “In collaboration with UNICEF, IWEI executed the Building Community Power to End Harmful Practices (Child Marriage) project in Jigawa State,” she said.

    She revealed that the first phase of the project, conducted between January and June 2025, reached 1,500 out-of-school girls, while the second phase, implemented from August to November 2025, introduced Gender Transformative Positive Parenting (GTP) sessions that engaged 1,200 parents—60 per cent male and 40 per cent female.

    According to her, the GTP sessions promoted positive parenting, strengthened gender-equitable decision-making, and expanded family support for girls’ education and empowerment.

    She added that the project also improved the well-being of 500 adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24 across Dutse, Birnin Kudu, Jahun, and Kiyawa local government areas, giving beneficiaries access to vocational skills, financial inclusion schemes, and enhanced economic opportunities. Communities also recorded increased commitment to ending harmful practices, including child marriage.

  • Senator constructs ICT centre to boost youth digital skills in Jigawa

    Senator constructs ICT centre to boost youth digital skills in Jigawa

    In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Senator representing Jigawa North-West, Babangida Hussaini, has commenced the construction of a modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre aimed at expanding digital skills and opportunities for youths across the constituency.

    In a statement personally signed and released in Dutse, the state capital, Senator Hussaini said the project aligns with his commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts toward human capital development.

    He explained that the ICT Centre is designed to equip young people with essential digital competencies needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven world, making them more productive, innovative, and self-reliant.

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    “For years, residents of several communities in this area have had to travel to neighbouring towns to access reliable internet services. The new ICT hub is expected to address this challenge by providing closer access to digital learning, training, and connectivity,” he noted.

    According to the senator, once completed, the facility will serve as a central hub for capacity-building, offering learning resources to students, entrepreneurs, job seekers, and innovators.

    Senator Hussaini reaffirmed his dedication to creating more platforms that will help young people in Jigawa North-West develop their potential and contribute significantly to economic growth.

    “Insha Allah, once completed, the centre will become a major resource for our youths and the entire community,” he added.