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| Image: A section of Dutse International Airport, Jigawa State. |
By Muhammad Salisu
The Jigawa State Government says it has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to boost economic development, securing approval for the Dutse International Airport to operate as a cargo terminal to enhance agricultural exports, attract investments, and create new opportunities for local businesses and farmers.
The development was announced by Governor Umar Namadi on Tuesday evening while receiving a delegation from Saudi Arabian-based agricultural firm, Alyaseen Agricultural Company, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Dutse, the state capital.
It could be recalled that the Dutse International Airport was established in 2014 during the tenure of Governor Sule Lamido, with the aim of facilitating air travel and boosting economic development and tourism in Jigawa State.
However, despite billions of naira spent to establish the airport, for years, it has been largely underutilized, with its operations limited to conveying pilgrims to Hajj during the annual pilgrimage season.
Occasionally, the airport also accommodates flights for top government officials at both the federal and state levels, but such instances are very rare and often sporadic, as stakeholders begin to raised questions about the airport's efficiency and the state's investment in the project.
According to the governor, the move to convert the airport to Cargo Terminal is expected to enhance the state's agricultural export capabilities, attract investments, and create new opportunities for local businesses and farmers, ultimately driving economic growth and prosperity in the region.
The governor revealed that the approval will facilitate the exportation of agricultural produce and other goods from the state. "This development is expected to boost the state's economy and provide new opportunities for local farmers and businesses," he noted.
Governor Namadi who assured that the state government has made all necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth operation of the cargo terminal, stated that "on its part, the Jigawa State Government has made all necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth operation of the cargo terminal."
Moreover, the governor also assured farmers in the state that the government has lined up a series of programs to boost agricultural production through the use of innovation and technology, revealing that "this initiative is expected to increase productivity and efficiency in the agricultural sector."
While speaking on the visit by the Saudi Arabian based firm, Alyaseen Agricultural Company, Namadi said the interaction with officials of the company is a testament to the state's potential for agricultural production, disclosing that "the company's interest in the state is expected to open up new opportunities for collaboration and investment."
Earlier while speaking, the team leader of the Saudi Arabian based firm "Al-Yaseen Agricultural Company, Dr. Shu'aibu Abubakar, commended the Jigawa state government on its effort to the development of the state.
The team leader, therefore, assured the governor of the company’s readiness to support Jigawa’s mechanisation drive and help realise its agricultural transformation ambition.
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