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| Gov. Umar Namadi |
By Salisu K Ismail
Jigawa State Government has expressed its commitment to enforcing standards in the packaging of local agricultural products to improve the value chain and provide market assurance for dealers, consumers, and exporters.
Governor Umar Namadi made this declaration during his address at the official commissioning event of the Habiscus Cleaning and Fumigation Company COMTTRA - Jigawa, on Tuesday, which was established by a private investor in partnership with the Jigawa State government at Maigatari Free Trade Zone, Maigatari local government area of the state.
Governor Namadi emphasized that, Jigawa State is a leading producer of hibiscus, sesame, rice, and other agricultural crops, hence the government is resolute in collaborating with private enterprises to advance the value chain and uphold standards in production, processing, and packaging to compete effectively in both local and international markets.
In addition, Governor Namadi stated that, the Jigawa State Government has taken all necessary steps to enhance the transformation of the state's agricultural sector.
"This includes providing modern farm inputs, improving seeds, offering training, and supplying other essential facilities to farmers at subsidized prices."
Aslo, the Governor expressed pride in the positive outcomes of these efforts and committed to further investment in the sector to promote job creation, food security, and overall growth and development.
Furthermore, he reassured Hibiscus farmers that his administration would explore global options to acquire machines that could enhance the harvesting and processing of Hibiscus, aiming to reduce labor-intensive processes and boost production at competitive prices for increased profitability.
During his address at the event, the Chief Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promoting Council, who was represented by Mr. Amby Dauda Ambiktum, Director of the Export Development and Incentive Department, announced that in 2023, Hibiscus worth over $142 million was exported by 130 companies to 32 countries worldwide.
The CEO further pledged to continue collaborating with Jigawa state to promote Hibiscus exports, as the state is the major producer of the crop in Nigeria.
In his speech, the Chief Executive Officer of COMATRA, Alhaji Umar Faruk Lawan Batagarawa, expressed gratitude to the Jigawa state Government for creating an enabling environment for investments, which attracted his company to invest in the state.
According to the CEO, Jigawa state is an investor-friendly state committed to collaborating with the government and farmers to enhance the development of Hibiscus production, processing, and marketing for the purpose of job creation, growth, and development.
During his address, the state commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Honorable Ahmad Kanta Sa'id, highlighted the establishment of COMMATRA-Jigawa Company at the Maigatari Free Export Processing Zone under the Jigawa state Government's Public-Private Partnership.
He said that, "This initiative aims to support Hibiscus production and processing while providing farmers with modern farming technology and market assurance."
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