Federal Government has declared Jigawa state as second state in the federation fully prepared for the implementation of a World Bank supported project known as ” Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria” (SPIN) project The Deputy Director, Department of Irrigation and Drainage Systems of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation Engineer Hauwa Mohammed Sadiq, stated this during a courtesy visit at Government House Dutse.
She said, they have toured and inspected the existing facilities in the state, and the ministry is fully satisfied with arrangements made by the state government for the implementation of the project in the state.
We inspection Galala Dam and its surroundings, that has over 2,000 hectares of land suitable for irrigation.
So we are pleased to report that Jigawa State is well-prepared to participate in the SPIN project, which will officially commence on January 1, 2025,” Engineer Hauwa said. According to her, the project’s primary focus is on improving the country’s water infrastructure, with a multi-component approach aimed at modernizing irrigation systems, rehabilitating dams, and expanding hydropower capabilities where feasible, also capacity building of water users associations for effective sustainability.
In his respond during the visit, the Jigawa state governor, Malam Umar Namadi reaffirmed their commitment to agriculture, which is the mainstay of the state’s economy, contributing 47% to Jigawa’s GDP and employing over 85% of the state’s population.
The governor emphasized that, the state government’s focus on irrigation as a solution to the recurrent issue of flooding, which often devastates farmlands during the rainy season.
“The SPIN project comes at a critical time for Jigawa as we shift our focus to irrigation farming.
With over 200,000 hectares ready for development to full irrigation system accross the state.
Governor Namadi also assured the delegation that Jigawa will continue to enhance its partnership with federal government and preparedness for the successful implementation of the project designed to improve agricultural sector and the livelihoods of citizens.
