Jigawa governor reaffirms commitment to Nigeria’s wheat sufficiency
Jigawa State is making significant strides in wheat production, with Governor Umar Namadi reaffirming his administration’s commitment to positioning the state as Nigeria’s top wheat producer. Speaking at the 2025 Wheat Green Field Day in Dabi, Ringim Local Government Area, the governor highlighted the state’s rapid expansion in wheat cultivation and its broader vision for agricultural transformation.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN), brought together key stakeholders, including wheat farmers, policymakers, development partners, and agricultural experts, to evaluate progress and explore strategies for scaling wheat production. Governor Namadi underscored Jigawa’s critical role in supporting the federal government’s wheat self-sufficiency agenda, noting that the state has expanded wheat cultivation from 55,000 hectares in the 2023/2024 season to 80,000 hectares in 2024/2025, with a long-term goal of 500,000 hectares by 2030.
Mechanization and Youth Engagement at the Forefront
Governor Namadi revealed that his administration is set to launch the Jigawa Farm Mechanization Company, covering all 30 constituencies in the state. To enhance farm productivity and reduce manual labor, the government has already procured 300 tractors, 60 combine harvesters, planters, and threshers. Additionally, 30 young master tractor technicians have received specialized training in China to ensure effective maintenance of the machinery.
“Our commitment to agricultural mechanization aims to make farming more efficient, reduce drudgery, and attract youth into the sector,” the governor stated.
Strengthening the Wheat Supply Chain
To boost farmers’ productivity, Jigawa State is investing in improved seed varieties, irrigation infrastructure, subsidized inputs, and extension services. The governor acknowledged FMAN’s contribution to wheat farming, particularly in providing access to high-yield seeds and guaranteed offtake agreements. He also commended IDH’s technical support in strengthening the wheat value chain.
The public-private partnership (PPP) approach remains a cornerstone of Jigawa’s agricultural strategy. The governor reaffirmed the government’s partnership with FMAN in cultivating 10,000 hectares of wheat, emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration to achieve the state’s ambitious agricultural targets.
National Recognition and Federal Support
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, lauded Jigawa State’s proactive approach to wheat production, describing it as a model for other states. He acknowledged the state’s impressive farmland preparation and efficient distribution of agricultural inputs under the African Development Bank’s National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agro-Pocket Programme.
Source- Premium Times
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
Jigawa State’s progress in wheat production is a critical step toward reducing Nigeria’s dependence on wheat imports, which currently cost the country billions in foreign exchange annually. The expansion of cultivation areas, mechanization efforts, and strategic partnerships create a replicable framework for other states seeking to boost their grain production.
However, to sustain this momentum, the following factors must be considered:
- Irrigation Infrastructure: With wheat being a water-intensive crop, investment in large-scale irrigation systems is essential for maintaining production, especially in dry seasons.
- Access to Credit for Farmers: While mechanization is a positive step, affordability remains a challenge. Providing smallholder farmers with access to low-interest loans will ensure wider adoption of modern farming techniques.
- Supply Chain Efficiency: Guaranteed offtake agreements with flour millers are crucial in maintaining price stability and reducing post-harvest losses. Strengthening the storage and processing capacity will further enhance the sector’s viability.
- Policy Consistency: Long-term success depends on sustained government policies that prioritize wheat production beyond political cycles. Aligning state policies with the federal government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda will ensure continuity.
If well-executed, Jigawa’s wheat expansion strategy can serve as a national blueprint for achieving wheat self-sufficiency, economic growth, and improved food security in Nigeria.
