Jigawa takes back misused farmlands, allocates to genuine farmers, Investors

Image: Gov. Umar Namadi

By Salisu K Ismail 

The Jigawa State Government has taken a significant step towards optimizing land use by retrieving misused farmlands and reallocating them to genuine farmers and investors across the 27 Local Government Areas in the State.

It could be recalled that in December 16, 2024 Jigawa State Government says the reason behind establishing the committee to retrieve misused farmlands is to ensure immediate action on retrieving misused farmlands across the state, promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders. 

It's worth noting that the committee's work is part of Governor Namadi's administration efforts to expand social security coverage and promote economic growth in Jigawa State.

Briefing newsmen on the resolutions of the Jigawa State Executive Council Meeting which was presided over by Governor Umar Namadi on Wednesday at the Press Gallery, Government House, Dutse, the Jigawa State Commissioner of Information, Sagir Musa said the decision is imperative to ensure optimal land use for food security, employment, and economic growth, as well as to protect grazing and forest reserves, thereby promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation in the state.

According to Musa, the committee responsible for retrieving misused farmlands, chaired by the Secretary to the Jigawa State Government, Bala Ibrahim, has made significant progress in recovering unauthorized and misused farmlands. 

The Commissioner confirmed that "the retrieved lands will be reallocated to genuine farmers and investors, promoting agricultural productivity and economic growth for the state."

In a related development, the spokesperson of the Jigawa State Government, Sagir Musa revealed that the State Executive Council approved N615 million for the Date Palm Plantation Initiative across some designated areas in the state. 

He said, "the initiative aims to mitigate climate change, prevent desert encroachment, and enhance poverty alleviation."

"It will also provide 5,000 jobs and empower teaming youth and women in date palm cultivation in the state," the commissioner added.

Further more, Mr. Musa explained that "the Date Palm Plantation Initiative is part of the Jigawa State Government's efforts to promote economic growth, poverty alleviation, and women's empowerment. The initiative will have a positive impact on the state's economy and citizens."

Similarly, the Commissioner highlighted that the Jigawa State Government has also launched the Nigeria for Women Program – Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) to boost women's economic empowerment. 

"A Standing Multi-Sectoral Coordination Steering Committee was inaugurated to oversee the program's implementation," he noted.

Also, Mr. Musa emphasised that the committee comprises representatives from various ministries, including Women Affairs, Finance, Budget, Health, Agriculture, and Education. 

"The program aims to empower women economically and improve their livelihoods and again, the initiatives will have a positive impact on the state's economy and citizens," he clarified.

Moreso, the commissioner of information reiterated that the Jigawa State Government is up and doing to ensure that its programs and initiatives benefit all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.