Governor Namadi’s farming blueprint offers hope amid Nigeria’s food insecurity

As Nigeria contends with mounting food insecurity and declining agricultural productivity, Governor Umar Namadi’s agricultural strategy in Jigawa State provides a roadmap that could inform national efforts to stabilise food systems.

In a recent move, Namadi flagged off the departure of 30 newly recruited master technicians to China for specialised training in agricultural mechanisation. This initiative underscores his administration’s commitment to modernising Jigawa’s farming sector and increasing efficiency across the value chain.

Governor Namadi’s policies aim to leverage Jigawa’s arable land and strategic location to transition agriculture from subsistence practices to a commercially sustainable industry. The shift promises not only economic benefits for the state but also a contribution to national food security efforts.

Central to this strategy are initiatives such as the Wheat Production Scheme and the Rice Millionaire Project, which focus on equipping farmers with machinery, high-yield seed varieties, and access to subsidised inputs like fertilisers. These targeted measures have boosted agricultural output, with Jigawa farmers cultivating 55,000 hectares of wheat and nearly 200,000 hectares of rice. This performance places Jigawa at the forefront of food production in Nigeria, demonstrating the potential for replication in other states.

Governor Namadi’s administration has also established partnerships with key stakeholders, including the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Flour Millers’ Association of Nigeria (FMAN). These collaborations have facilitated financial and technical support for farmers while opening up market opportunities, thereby illustrating the benefits of public-private cooperation in addressing food insecurity. Through the J-Agro programme, over 1,500 agricultural extension workers have been deployed to rural areas, ensuring farmers receive practical training and ongoing support.

Beyond crop production, the administration has expanded its focus to include livestock development. Mobile veterinary clinics, operational across Jigawa’s 27 local government areas, aim to improve livestock health and productivity, reflecting a holistic approach to agricultural development that integrates crop and livestock sectors.

Governor Namadi’s vision extends to positioning Jigawa as an attractive destination for investment. At the 2024 Africa Food Systems Summit, themed “Innovate, Accelerate, and Scale: Delivering Food Systems Transformation in a Digital and Climate Era,” Namadi showcased Jigawa’s agricultural potential. Stressing the state’s stability—marked by peace and security that contrast with challenges faced by neighbouring regions—he highlighted Jigawa’s appeal for local and international investors seeking opportunities in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

His commitment to learning and adopting best practices led to a study tour of Ethiopia, a recognised leader in wheat production. Accompanied by senior officials from the state’s Ministry of Agriculture, the delegation explored strategies for sustainable farming that could be adapted to Jigawa’s context. This initiative positions Jigawa to play a more prominent role in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, while attracting new investment and advancing food security at the national level.

Through a coordinated policy framework that integrates modernisation, investment, and sustainability, Governor Namadi is transforming Jigawa into a model of agricultural development. As Nigeria faces the dual challenges of food scarcity and economic pressures, Jigawa’s experience offers a replicable solution that could reshape the country’s agricultural sector, alleviate food insecurity, and support long-term economic growth.

Mohammed Abubakar Dutse is a journalist and public analyst from Jigawa State, known for his insightful contributions to media and public discourse.