Gumel Emirate Foundation has called on the Jigawa State Government to expand and upgrade the Maigatari-Gumel Road into a dual carriageway to accommodate the anticipated increase in commercial activities along the Maigatari Export Processing Zone (EPZ) corridor.
The appeal was made by the Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Ahmed, the Dan-Amar of Gumel, in a statement commending Governor Malam Umar Namadi for the successful revival of the Maigatari Export Processing Zone project.
Ahmed described the revitalisation of the EPZ, which had remained dormant for over two decades, as a landmark achievement that marks a turning point in the economic development of Jigawa State.
According to him, the project signals the beginning of a new era of industrial growth, investment and shared prosperity for the people of the state and the wider region.
He praised Governor Namadi’s leadership and commitment to economic transformation, noting that the revitalisation of the EPZ and the provision of critical infrastructure have positioned Maigatari and surrounding communities as emerging centres for trade, commerce and industrial development.
The Foundation also welcomed the involvement of foreign investors, including a consortium of Chinese-backed companies, in the development of the zone.
Ahmed said the investments are expected to stimulate industrial production, expand export opportunities and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for residents.
He added that the project would boost commercial activities, increase government revenue, enhance skills development and improve living standards across the region.
The Dan-Amar of Gumel pledged the full support and cooperation of the people of the emirate to the state government, investors and other stakeholders to ensure the security and sustainability of the project.
“We remain committed to fostering a peaceful, stable and conducive environment in which businesses can flourish and investments can thrive,” he said.
Ahmed further expressed appreciation to Governor Namadi for what he described as bold and transformative interventions capable of delivering lasting prosperity to Gumel Emirate, Jigawa State and beyond.
Foundation Hails Free Dialysis Centre
In a related development, the Foundation commended the Jigawa State Government for establishing a free dialysis centre at Gumel General Hospital, describing the initiative as a major boost to healthcare delivery in the state.
Ahmed said the facility reflects the governor’s people-centred approach to governance and his determination to make quality healthcare accessible to all citizens, especially vulnerable and low-income residents.
He noted that kidney disease remains one of the most expensive health conditions to manage, with many patients unable to afford dialysis treatment.
According to him, the provision of free dialysis services has eased the financial burden on affected families while restoring hope and dignity to patients suffering from chronic kidney ailments.
“The establishment of the facility is not merely a healthcare intervention; it is a life-saving investment that demonstrates the administration’s commitment to human capital development and social welfare,” he said.
The Foundation disclosed that since the commencement of services in January 2026, the centre has recorded significant achievements, with 53 patients benefiting from the programme and a total of 383 dialysis sessions successfully conducted.
Ahmed said the figures highlight the importance of the facility and its positive impact on the health and wellbeing of residents.
He, however, urged the state government to install a solar power system at the centre to ensure uninterrupted service delivery and reduce operational costs.
According to him, such an intervention would further strengthen the facility’s capacity to provide sustainable and efficient healthcare services to the people of Jigawa State.
