Governor Malam Umar Namadi has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA) to expand irrigation facilities, address flooding challenges, and accelerate agricultural development across Jigawa State.
The Governor made the pledge when the HJRBDA management team, led by its Managing Director, Engr. Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Dutse, on Tuesday.
Highlighting the vast potential of the Hadejia Valley, Governor Namadi noted that while 24,000 hectares of land are available, only 6,000 hectares have been developed, with 18,000 hectares targeted for agricultural expansion.
“By the time these 18,000 hectares are developed, the increase in productive land will be remarkable, bringing better livelihoods for our people,” the Governor stated.
He revealed that discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had secured approval for developing an additional 6,000 hectares through international funding, with formal requests already before the Minister of Water Resources.
The Governor also disclosed plans to reactivate 10 abandoned dams, expand irrigation to upland communities, and replicate the successful industrial borehole scheme in Lalashi to other parts of the state.
“Our Lalashi pilot has been very successful — over 120 households are now engaged in year-round farming. We are expanding this to Gajagarma in Birniwa, Dutse, and four local governments in Gumel Emirate,” he added.
On seasonal flooding, Governor Namadi described the issue as “critical and worrisome,” noting that Jigawa has built 120 km of embankments and cleared 70 km of Typha grass to improve water flow and protect farmlands.
In his remarks, Engr. Bichi praised the state government’s unwavering support, particularly in clearing Typha grass and restoring the functionality of waterways.
“Your commitment has been key to reducing flooding and improving water management for our communities,” he said.
Bichi announced that the Authority plans to expand irrigation by 6,500 hectares in Jigawa, alongside federal projects approved by President Tinubu, such as the Greater Dutse Water Supply Scheme and repairs to the Hadejia Barrage.
He added that with the 5,440 hectares currently under irrigation, farmers already produce 220,000 metric tonnes of crops annually — including wheat, rice, maize, tomato, and vegetables — valued at over ₦154.4 billion.
For 2025, more than ₦28 billion has been budgeted for HJRBDA projects in Jigawa, in addition to ₦59 billion for the Greater Dutse Water Supply, small earth dams, erosion control works, and new irrigation schemes.
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