By: Ahmed Rufa’i
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa state has intensified moves to attract foreign direct investment and strategic partnerships aimed at accelerating socio-economic development in Jigawa State.
The governor held high-level bilateral talks with Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Al-Haill at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Abuja, with discussions focusing on collaboration in education, investment and social empowerment.
The development was disclosed in a statement by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Photography, Mr. Muhammed Isma’el, posted in his official Facebook account said the engagement underscores the administration’s firm commitment to its 12-Point Agenda particularly economic growth, human capital development, agricultural transformation and infrastructure renewal.
According to the statement, the visit forms part of deliberate efforts by the Namadi administration to forge international alliances capable of unlocking opportunities for Jigawa’s expanding youth population and strengthening its agribusiness value chain.
Governor Namadi highlighted the state’s vast agricultural potential, strategic location and improving human capital base, assuring the ambassador that Jigawa has put in place investor-friendly policies designed to create a conducive business climate for foreign partners.
He also briefed the envoy on collaborative efforts between the Federal Government and Jigawa State to upgrade the Dutse International Airport to cargo standards a move aimed at boosting agro-exports, expanding trade corridors and integrating the state into global markets in line with the Renewed Hope economic blueprint.
The governor stressed that enhanced export infrastructure would not only improve internally generated revenue but also create jobs, stimulate rural economies and empower farmers across the state.
In his remarks, Ambassador Al-Haill expressed Qatar’s readiness to partner with Jigawa in areas of mutual interest, particularly investment and education, describing the engagement as fruitful and forward-looking.
The statement added that the diplomatic outreach reflects a strategic alignment between federal economic reforms and sub-national development initiatives, positioning Jigawa as an emerging investment destination in Northern Nigeria.
“The budding partnership is expected to translate into tangible benefits, including scholarship opportunities, improved educational facilities, expanded agro-processing ventures and sustainable economic growth for the people of the state,” the statement emphasised.
