Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has unveiled an ambitious plan for the state to produce 50% of Nigeria’s rice needs by 2030.
The initiative aims to produce 3.6 million metric tons of rice annually through the cultivation of 500,000 hectares during the dry season, with a long-term goal of reaching 1.2 million hectares.
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He made the disclosure while receiving a delegation from the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), led by the chairman of the Fiscal Efficiency and Budget Committee, Desmond Akawor.
“We cultivate rice twice a year. In 2024 alone, we cultivated over 200,000 hectares of rice. This year, we are scaling up to over 250,000 hectares. By 2030, our target is 500,000 hectares—and at the pace we are going, we’ll achieve that with ease,” Governor Namadi said.
“Our ultimate goal is to contribute 3.6 million metric tons of rice annually to Nigeria’s rice production—representing close to 50% of the nation’s requirement. We have the land, the people, and the political will to make this happen.”
Agri Climate News reports that agriculture remains the backbone of Jigawa’s economy, engaging about 85% of the population in the sector.
The state is expanding irrigation infrastructure to support year-round farming, including in desert-prone areas.
However, to boost production, the government is distributing 20,000 water pumps—half solar-powered—and subsidizing inputs like certified seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals for 58,500 farmers.
In addition, 360 tractors and 70 combine harvesters are being procured to improve mechanization.
