From Abdullahi Idris,Dutse
Governor Umar Namadi has announced his administration’s ambitious plan to contribute 50 percent of Nigeria’s total rice requirement by 2030.
He made the disclosure while receiving a delegation from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, led by the Chairman of Fiscal Efficiency and Budget Committee, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, during a courtesy visit at the Government House, Dutse.
“We cultivate rice twice a year. In 2024 alone, we cultivated over 200,000 hectares of rice.This year, we are scaling up to over 250,000 hectares. By 2030, our target is 500,000 hectares—and at the pace we are going, we woll achieve that with ease
“Our ultimate goal is to contribute 3.6 million metric tons of rice annually to Nigeria’s rice production—representing close to 50 percent of the nation’s requirement. We have the land, the people and the political will to make this happen,” Namadi said.
He said agriculture remains the mainstay of Jigawa’s economy, with approximately 85 percent of its population engaged in the sector, adding that his government has recorded historic breakthroughs in dry season farming in previously barren areas of the state.
“We are also making concerted efforts to expand our irrigation infrastructure. Once completed, more land will be brought into year-round production. For the first time in the history of Jigawa State, we have successfully introduced dry-season farming in desert-prone areas where agriculture was once thought impossible. Today, youths in those communities have become fully engaged in productive farming and are no longer migrating out of the state for jobs.”
Speaking on Jigawa’s dominance in other crop sectors, Governor Namadi remarked: “Mr Chairman, we are in a very advantageous position. All we need is access to resources—and we will transform our state beyond expectations. Today, Jigawa is number one in sesame seed and hibiscus flower production in Nigeria. We currently contribute 75% of Nigeria’s non-oil agricultural exports, thanks to our dominance in these two key commodities. When it comes to wheat, we are also leading. In 2024, we cultivated 55,000 hectares, and in 2025, we’re doing 105,000 hectares.”
He stated, “With additional support, our farmers can achieve even greater feats. For example, Jigawa State alone has the capacity to provide 50 percent of Nigeria’s rice and 50 percent of its wheat requirements. That is why we are working hard to bring more land under cultivation and expand our irrigation networks.”
On the state’s resource endowment, the governor highlighted the untapped mineral potentials, including oil, but expressed government’s cautious approach in maintaining peace and security.
“When it comes to mineral resources, Jigawa State is equally endowed—even with crude oil deposits. However, we are taking a cautious and responsible approach to resource exploitation. As the most peaceful state in Nigeria, we are determined not to compromise our security while chasing revenue. We are being strategic about how and when we begin extraction—ensuring that our partners are credible and that our people’s lives and properties remain protected.”
Earlier, the leader of the RMAFC delegation told the governor that the visit is part of the committee’s mandate to evaluate state-level projects eligible for support through a special 1.68 percent national revenue allocation intended to diversify Nigeria’s economy, focusing on agriculture, tourism and solid minerals.
He said the committee was impressed by the initial briefings and site visits, especially the natural resource endowments in the state and will continue inspection in the agricultural sector, while assuring the governor of a fair and objective assessment.
He emphasized the importance of harnessing natural resources for economic growth.
