By: Ahmed Rufa’i
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Jigawa State has commended Governor Umar Namadi over the disbursement of ₦5.9 billion under the Civil Servants’ Agricultural Support Programme, describing the initiative as a bold step toward agricultural transformation and economic diversification in the state.
The state Chairman of AFAN, Engr. Auwalu Garba Ibrahim, gave the commendation while reacting to the launch of the third phase of the programme alongside the unveiling of the FADAMA J-CARES 1.0 completion report in Dutse.
Ibrahim said the intervention aligns with Governor Namadi’s 12-point development agenda and is capable of strengthening food production while encouraging wider participation in agriculture.
He also noted that agricultural reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the provision of farming inputs and implements at subsidised rates, are repositioning agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and food security across the country.
According to him, the policy direction of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda has opened new opportunities for states to expand investment in agriculture and improve farmers’ productivity.
He explained that ongoing economic reforms by the Federal Government have also improved allocations to states and local government councils from the federation account, thereby enhancing their capacity to invest in social and infrastructural development.
“The restructuring of economic policies by President Tinubu has strengthened the financial capacity of states and local councils. This has given governors and local government chairmen greater opportunity to invest in agriculture, infrastructure and social development,” he said.
The AFAN chairman further commended Governor Namadi’s leadership style, describing it as transparent and accountable in the implementation of his administration’s development programmes.
He noted that the governor’s policies are already producing tangible results in several sectors, particularly agriculture.
Ibrahim disclosed that the Jigawa State Government has so far injected about ₦5.9 billion into the Civil Servants’ Agricultural Support Programme across three phases, with over 17,000 civil servants benefiting from the initiative.
He explained that the programme, designed as an interest-free support scheme, is aimed at encouraging civil servants to engage in large-scale farming and contribute to increased food production in the state.
“This initiative is highly commendable. It will not only empower civil servants but also increase food production and strengthen the state’s contribution to national food security,” he added.
However, Ibrahim expressed concern over alleged attempts by some members to create division within the association through the formation of a parallel leadership.
He warned that such actions, which he said are in defiance of a subsisting court order, could undermine the unity of the association.
According to him, the present leadership of AFAN in Jigawa State emerged after the national headquarters dissolved the former executives and conducted fresh elections in line with the association’s constitution.
He therefore urged members of the association to disregard any parallel leadership, insisting that the current executives remain the only recognised leadership by the national body and relevant authorities.
“We will not be distracted from moving the association forward. Our focus remains on protecting the interests of farmers and supporting government policies aimed at improving agricultural productivity,” Ibrahim stated.
