Governor Umar Namadi has called for strategic partnerships to unlock investment potential.

Mr Namadi made the call on Wednesday at the opening of the Second Jigawa State Economic and Investment Summit. The event, tagged ‘J-INVEST 2026’, held in Dutse, attracted investors and development stakeholders.

The governor said the summit was created as a platform for practical investment engagement.

“This Summit is designed as a working platform to move us beyond aspiration to disciplined execution,” he said.

He added that the initiative would create opportunities for investors and deliver lasting prosperity.

Mr Namadi said the summit would connect investors with bankable opportunities and measurable development outcomes. He noted that the event built on the maiden 2013 edition, which gave rise to InvestJigawa.

The governor said the current summit aimed to convert opportunities into investments and innovation into enterprise. He disclosed that Jigawa had facilitated 64 investments across agriculture, renewable energy and manufacturing.

Mr Namadi said the state’s investment strength included fertile land, irrigation assets and a youthful workforce. He highlighted over 411,000 hectares of Fadama wetlands as a major economic advantage.

The governor said Jigawa’s 2026 budget, estimated at about N902 billion, prioritised capital expenditure. He noted that over 76 per cent of the budget was allocated to capital projects.

Mr Namadi said more than N396 billion was earmarked for agriculture, infrastructure and industrial development. He explained that the investments would create an environment for private businesses to grow.

The governor listed agriculture, agro-processing, livestock and renewable energy among priority sectors. Others included manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, solid minerals and cross-border trade.

Mr Namadi said InvestJigawa’s one-stop platform had improved investor confidence in the state, citing the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA).

He said FRILIA had allocated about 13,000 hectares for investment proposals since 2024.

The governor mentioned major projects supporting investment, including the Dangote Rice Mill. He also cited the Gagarawa Industrial Park, the Medical Village, and the Maigatari Border Free Zone.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima declared the summit open, urging investors to explore Jigawa’s growing economic opportunities. He described the state as a location with enormous investment potential.

Mr Shettima said national reforms would succeed through stronger sub-national investment promotion. The summit attracted governors, ministers, diplomats, business leaders and financial institutions.

(NAN)