Governor Namadi Sets Ambitious Goal for Rice Production
By Abdulhamid Sani
Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria – Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi has laid out an ambitious vision for the state to become a major contributor to Nigeria’s food security, announcing plans to meet a staggering 50 percent of the nation’s rice needs by 2030. The governor revealed this bold objective during a courtesy visit from a delegation of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) on Wednesday at Government House, Dutse.
“We are serious about rice production here in Jigawa,” Governor Namadi declared. “Cultivating rice twice annually has already allowed us to plant over 200,000 hectares in 2024. We are not stopping there; this year, we are scaling up to over 250,000 hectares. Our sights are set on 500,000 hectares by 2030, a target we are confidently on track to achieve.”
The governor elaborated on the scale of their ambition, stating, “Our ultimate goal is to contribute 3.6 million metric tons of rice to Nigeria’s yearly production. This represents nearly half of the entire country’s requirement. We possess the land, a dedicated population, and the unwavering political will to transform this vision into reality.”
Highlighting the pivotal role of agriculture in Jigawa’s economy, where approximately 85% of the population is engaged, Governor Namadi pointed to significant breakthroughs in dry season farming in previously unproductive regions.
“We are strategically investing in expanding our irrigation infrastructure,” he explained. “Once these projects are complete, vast new areas will be under cultivation year-round. Remarkably, for the first time in Jigawa’s history, we have successfully pioneered dry-season farming in areas once considered too arid for agriculture. Today, young people in these communities are actively involved in productive farming, reversing the trend of out-migration in search of opportunities.”
Governor Namadi also underscored Jigawa’s leading position in other crucial agricultural sectors.
“Mr. Chairman,” he noted, addressing the RMAFC delegation leader, “Jigawa holds a significant advantage. With the necessary resources, we are poised to exceed expectations. Currently, we proudly hold the top spot in Nigeria for sesame seed and hibiscus flower production, contributing 75% of the nation’s non-oil agricultural exports through these key commodities. Our wheat production is also leading; we cultivated 55,000 hectares in 2024 and are expanding to 105,000 hectares in 2025.”
He emphasized the potential for even greater achievements with further support, asserting, “Jigawa State alone has the capacity to meet 50% of Nigeria’s rice and 50% of its wheat demands. This is why we are diligently working to bring more land under cultivation and expand our irrigation networks.”
Beyond agriculture, Governor Namadi touched upon Jigawa’s untapped mineral wealth, including oil deposits, while emphasizing the government’s cautious approach to resource exploitation to maintain the state’s peace and security.
“Jigawa is also rich in mineral resources, including crude oil. However, we are committed to a responsible and cautious approach to their exploitation. As the most peaceful state in Nigeria, we will not compromise our security in pursuit of revenue. Our strategy involves careful consideration of when and how we begin extraction, ensuring that our partners are reputable and the safety and well-being of our people remain paramount.”
The leader of the RMAFC delegation conveyed that their visit was part of the commission’s mandate to assess state-level projects eligible for support through a special 1.68% national revenue allocation aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s economy, with a focus on agriculture, tourism, and solid minerals.
He expressed the committee’s positive impressions following initial briefings and site visits, particularly noting the state’s natural resource endowments. He assured the governor of a fair and objective assessment and highlighted the critical importance of harnessing natural resources for sustainable economic growth.
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