Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has unveiled ambitious plans to produce two million tonnes of wheat for export, with the goal of achieving agricultural self-sufficiency. The initiative is part of the National Wheat Development Programme, and the governor is confident that Nigeria has the capacity to become a wheat exporter.
After discussions with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, Governor Namadi shared that President Tinubu has endorsed the state’s wheat production initiative and assured federal government support for its success. The dry season programme, initiated by the federal government in Jigawa State in November 2023, aims to bolster wheat cultivation nationwide, with Jigawa allocated 40,000 hectares out of the total 100,000 hectares.
Governor Namadi expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s commitment, stating, “He said that we should tell him what we require, and he is prepared to assist us.”
Highlighting Jigawa State’s significant contribution to national wheat production, the governor emphasized, “We are number one in wheat in Nigeria.” He noted that the state has allocated 40,000 hectares out of its FADAMA land of over 400,000 hectares for wheat cultivation in both rainy and dry seasons.
In addition to wheat, Governor Namadi revealed plans for rice exportation and other cash crops. The state aims to achieve wheat harvests of four tonnes per hectare annually, with individual farmers expanding their cultivation areas due to government assistance. The Federal Government’s wheat programme is set to support around 250,000 wheat farmers, providing a 50% input subsidy to cultivate approximately 250,000 hectares.
Meanwhile, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago expressed the state’s commitment to match the national target of cultivating 500,000 hectares of arable land for food security. Niger State, Nigeria’s largest state in land mass, has provided itself as a pilot state for the federal government’s agricultural expansion project. Governor Bago emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure the security of farmers in the state, allowing them to return to their farms.