The Jigawa State Government in North West Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA) to expand irrigation infrastructure, tackle flooding, and boost agricultural productivity across Jigawa State.
Governor Umar Namadi made the pledge when HJRBDA’s Managing Director, Engr. Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi, led the agency’s management team on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Dutse.
Namadi revealed that the Hadejia Valley alone boasts 24,000 hectares of farmland, with only 6,000 currently developed, as plans are underway to bring the remaining 18,000 hectares into cultivation, a move he said would greatly enhance livelihoods.
“I have discussed this twice with Mr. President, and he has approved the development of an additional 6,000 hectares from international resources.
“A formal request has been submitted to the Minister of Water Resources, and I am confident that the Hadejia Valley will soon get the necessary resources,” the governor said.
Governor Namadi also highlighted ongoing initiatives to revive 10 abandoned dams, extend irrigation to upland communities, and replicate the successful Lalashi industrial borehole scheme in other parts of the state.
“These dams, once functional, will add 4,500 hectares to production capacity and reduce rural poverty,” he stated.
On flood control, Namadi described seasonal flooding as “critical and worrisome,” noting that the state has constructed 120 kilometres of embankments and cleared 70 kilometres of Typha grass to protect farmlands and communities.
In his remarks, Engr. Bichi commended the state government’s support in clearing Typha grass and improving water management.
He disclosed that HJRBDA has prepared proposals to expand irrigation by an additional 6,500 hectares in Jigawa and is executing projects approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the Greater Dutse Water Supply Scheme and repairs to the Hadejia Barrage.
“With 5,440 hectares currently developed, farmers are producing over 220,000 metric tonnes of crops annually, valued at more than ₦154.4 billion, including wheat, rice, maize, tomatoes, and vegetables,” Bichi said.
He added that the 2025 budget allocates over ₦28 billion for HJRBDA projects in Jigawa, alongside ₦59 billion already set aside for the Greater Dutse Water Supply, small earth dams, erosion control works, and new irrigation schemes.
Details of the engagement were contained in a press statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Hamisu Gumel.