Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has unveiled the 2025 budget proposal of N698.3 billion to shape the future of the state.
The budget which is christened “The Budget of Innovation & Transformation for Greater Jigawa,” was aimed at addressing critical areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, with a promise to deliver meaningful change in the lives of Jigawa state citizens.
In a statement, the Governor’s spokesperson, Hamisu Muhammad Gumel, said: “Presenting the appropriation bill at the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Governor Namadi described the budget as a bold step toward creating a self-reliant and prosperous state.”
Governor Namadi highlighted the key budget allocations, including N90.76 billion representing 13% as personnel costs covering the new 70,000 minimum wage and critical recruitment in education and healthcare sectors, and N63.69 billion representing 9% for recurrent expenses like scholarships, feeding programs, and utilities. A historic N534.76 billion representing 76% has been allocated to capital investment.
A substantial portion of the budget over N148 billion has been earmarked for roads and infrastructure, as Governor Namadi stated that the state would complete 46 ongoing road projects.
In a move to address the state’s energy needs, Governor Namadi also announced plans for a 100 MW solar power plant and a solar panel manufacturing facility, with a combined allocation of N39.4 billion. He described the investment as a pivotal step in expanding energy access and attracting private investments.
Agriculture, which is the number one priority sector in the budget, received over N136 billion to boost food security, economic diversification, job creation, and poverty reduction.
Key initiatives include N13 billion for agricultural mechanization, N26 billion for crop rehabilitation, N2.05 billion for livestock development alongside a new ministry for livestock development, and N13.16 billion for comprehensive agricultural transformation programs like agribusiness irrigation and trade/export development.
Also, N11.5 billion is earmarked for Fadama development programs and extension services, ensuring ongoing projects are sustained and agricultural productivity is enhanced.
Education, another of the administration’s top priorities, received a staggering allocation of N120 billion. The governor reaffirmed his commitment to improving education outcomes, particularly through programs like the Partner-Assisted New Globe Education Digital Learning Project.
“Education is the foundation of progress. By equipping our children with quality education, we are investing in Jigawa’s long-term growth,” he stated.
Healthcare also took center stage in the proposed budget, with over N40 billion allocated to the sector. Plans include a medical village, which will feature a diagnostic and cardiac center as well as an oxygen plant. Governor Namadi called the initiative a turning point for the state’s health sector.
The budget also prioritizes investment and economic empowerment, with over N20 billion dedicated to market development, small business support, and revitalizing the Maigatari Export Processing Zone, vital initiatives that would create jobs and open up new opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs.
“With the preponderance of youth in our population, a high dependency ratio, and a high rate of youth unemployment, we considered it obligatory to rededicate efforts in the pursuit of innovative and well-targeted empowerment programs that would massively generate jobs & employment opportunities for our youth.”
To tackle environmental issues like flooding and erosion, the administration has allocated N16.8 billion for climate resilience projects, where the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project is expected to play a key role in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Likewise, N10.72 billion has been set aside for the second phase of the Mass Housing Program across the state, which is aimed at providing affordable housing for Jigawa residents.
In the same vein, Governor Namadi also presented the N173.5 billion Local Government Council’s consolidated budget, which includes allocations for personnel costs, overhead expenses, and capital projects at the grassroots level.
The Governor ended his presentation with a plea for a speedy passage of the budget so that it becomes effective on the first day of the new fiscal year.
In his response, Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, praised the Governor’s leadership and vision, acknowledging the significant developments made under Governor Namadi’s administration, especially in agriculture and education, and expressed firm optimism about the proposed budget.
He also assured that the state assembly will consider and pass the appropriation bill within the limited time possible to enable the government to continue with its good policies and programs for the betterment of the people of the state.
