By: Ahmed Rufa’i
Jigawa State Government has approved the immediate implementation of a five years state’s Demographic Dividend Roadmap in a decisive move to accelerate human capital development and drive long-term socio-economic growth of the state
The roadmap, developed by the Lafiya–UK and Nigeria Partnership for a Healthier Future with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is designed to harness the state’s rapidly growing youthful population for sustainable development.
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Babangida Umar Gantsa, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Technical Working Group (TWG) responsible for the implementation of the roadmap in Dutse.
Gantsa said the initiative underscores the commitment of Governor Umar Namadi’s administration to strengthening human capital resources as a critical driver of economic transformation and inclusive growth in the state.
He described the document presented by Lafiya-UK programme consultant, Dr Musa Zakirai, as comprehensive and strategic, noting that it provides a solid framework for achieving the state’s long-term development objectives.
According to the commissioner, the roadmap had earlier been presented before the Jigawa State Executive Council chaired by Governor Namadi, where it received commendation from council members for its strategic importance.
“The presentation made by Dr Zakirai is a very robust and rich document. It was presented before the State Executive Council chaired by His Excellency, the Governor, and the council members appreciated the effort and support toward the development of Jigawa State’s Demographic Dividend,” he said.
Gantsa explained that the State Executive Council unanimously approved both the contents of the document and the immediate implementation of the Demographic Dividend initiative.
He added that Governor Namadi subsequently directed the inauguration of the Technical Working Group to ensure effective coordination and speedy implementation of the roadmap.
The commissioner noted that the TWG would translate the policy framework into actionable programmes across key sectors including health, education, youth empowerment and economic productivity.
He further revealed that the governor had directed that the progress of the Technical Working Group be presented to the State Executive Council on a monthly basis to ensure close monitoring and accountability.
“His Excellency has directed that every month the development and progress of this Technical Working Group must be presented before the State Executive Council. This clearly demonstrates the seriousness and commitment of the government toward achieving the objectives of the Demographic Dividend initiative,” he said.
Earlier, Lafiya-UK programme consultant, Dr Musa Zakirai, said the inauguration of the Technical Working Group marks a significant step in the implementation of the Demographic Dividend Roadmap in Jigawa State.
According to him, the initiative aims to drive sustainable socio-economic growth by leveraging population dynamics and investing in human capital development.
“The roadmap outlines strategic actions to harness the state’s youthful population for economic prosperity and long-term development,” Zakirai said.
He explained that the initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Lafiya–UK and Nigeria Partnership for a Healthier Future and the National Population Commission (NPC).
Zakirai noted that the roadmap aligns with Nigeria’s National Development Plan and Vision 2050, which emphasise inclusive economic growth and youth empowerment.
He added that the initiative also supports Africa’s Agenda 2063, positioning demographic dividend as a pathway to sustainable and people-centred development across the continent.
According to him, the roadmap further advances several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, as well as the reduction of inequality.
Zakirai said the document is also designed to complement the 12-Point Agenda of the Jigawa State Government by translating national, regional and global development priorities into practical, context-specific actions tailored to the developmental needs of the state.
Experts at the inauguration explained that demographic dividend refers to the economic and social benefits that arise when a country or region has a larger working-age population relative to dependents.
Zakirai stressed that achieving this dividend depends largely on key drivers such as lower fertility rates, improved healthcare systems and greater access to quality education.
“When effectively harnessed, these factors will produce a skilled, productive and wealth-generating workforce capable of driving economic growth and improving prosperity for the people of Jigawa State,” he said.
The Technical Working Group is expected to coordinate the implementation of the roadmap and ensure that policies and programmes aimed at maximizing the state’s demographic potential are effectively executed.
