By Ali Rabiu Ali Jigawa
The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved a series of landmark policies, contracts and development programmes aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, improving public services, strengthening agriculture, enhancing education and expanding economic opportunities across the state.
The approvals were made during the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi, FCA, at the Government House, Dutse.
One of the most significant decisions reached by the Council was the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Jigawa State Government and Rano Air to commence scheduled commercial flight operations on the Dutse-Abuja-Dutse route.
The Council said the approval followed the adoption of the report of a committee chaired by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Aminu Usman, FNSE, established to facilitate commercial flight operations in the state.
According to the Council, the commencement of regular flights will improve transportation, attract investment, ease business travel, enhance tourism and maximize the potential of the Dutse International Airport while creating employment opportunities.
In another major decision, the Executive Council constituted a high-level committee to develop a framework for the registration of transit herders in order to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and pastoralists.
The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, will recommend measures to improve livestock management, strengthen security, enhance livestock traceability and promote public health.
Members include the Commissioners for Livestock Development, Justice, Environment, Health and Local Government, the Special Adviser on Security, while the Permanent Secretary, Special Services, will serve as Secretary.
The Council also approved the construction of a new Emir’s Palace in Dutse at the cost of N2.77 billion.
Government said the modern palace would strengthen traditional institutions, preserve cultural heritage and provide a befitting edifice for the Emirate while promoting peace, community development and conflict resolution.
The Executive Council equally approved Jigawa State’s hosting of the 41st National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, scheduled for November 14-30, 2026, in Dutse.
The Council said hosting the prestigious competition would consolidate Jigawa’s position as a leading centre for Qur’anic education, encourage religious scholarship, promote national unity and stimulate economic activities across the state.
In the education sector, the Council approved the sponsorship of 92 lecturers from state-owned tertiary institutions to pursue Master’s and PhD programmes at Integral University, Lucknow, India, during the 2026/2027 academic session.
Government approved N676.2 million for tuition fees and N611.86 million for one-year living allowances, in addition to funding for travel documentation, drug tests, police clearance, yellow cards and other requirements.
Beneficiaries are expected to serve the Jigawa State Government for at least five years after completing their studies.
To improve water supply, the Council approved N285.03 million for the procurement and installation of new generators at Birnin Kudu, Hadejia and Kazaure water stations.
The investment is expected to guarantee uninterrupted water supply and improve sanitation and public health across the benefiting communities.
As part of efforts to strengthen irrigation farming and climate resilience, the Council approved N1.77 billion for the procurement of ten solar-powered de-flooding and mobile irrigation machines capable of irrigating about 500 hectares of farmland.
The specialised equipment is expected to reduce flooding, improve irrigation farming, boost food production and create more employment opportunities in rural communities.
Similarly, the Council approved N2.404 billion for the procurement of organic fertilisers and crop growth enhancers under the state’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiative for the 2026 farming season.
The intervention includes the supply of Geo-Plus and Geo-Green organic fertilisers, Topper Growth Enhancer and 4Tree Growth Enhancer to cushion farmers against rising production costs and improve agricultural productivity.
The Council further approved the award of a N1.16 billion contract for infrastructure development at Government Science and Technical College (GSTC), Auyo.
The project is designed to provide modern classrooms, improved workshops and quality facilities that will enhance technical and vocational education in the state.
In another policy decision, the Executive Council approved the roadmap for implementing recommendations from the 2025 Citizens’ Engagement Programme, popularly known as “Gwamnati da Jama’a.”
The roadmap provides for the establishment of Community Engagement Desks in all 27 Local Government Areas, quarterly town hall meetings between government and citizens, a digital complaints and feedback platform, periodic government performance reports and greater citizens’ participation in government planning.
The Council directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to commence immediate implementation of the roadmap under the coordination of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
The resolutions of the meeting were announced in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports, Sagir Musa Ahmed.
Observers say the wide-ranging approvals reflect Governor Umar Namadi’s determination to sustain infrastructure development, improve service delivery, strengthen agriculture, invest in education and promote inclusive governance as part of his administration’s 12-Point Agenda for Greater Jigawa.
