Jigawa govt to partner NBRDA on food security, agric development

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has expressed the state’s intention to collaborate with the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) to accelerate agricultural development, boost food security, create jobs, and enhance livelihoods across the state.

He made the declaration during his recent visit to NBRDA in Abuja.

The Governor commended the reappointment of Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha as Director General of NBRDA, describing it as a reaffirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s confidence in the agency’s visionary leadership and its national impact.

Namadi emphasised that biotechnology will be central to Jigawa’s development strategy, especially as agriculture remains the backbone of the state’s economy, with over 85% of the population engaged in farming.

He stated, “Our goal is to ensure that farming becomes a sustainable and profitable venture for every farmer in Jigawa. We are fully committed to working with NBRDA to achieve this vision.”

The Governor highlighted his administration’s initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth and reducing poverty. A key initiative is the Rice Millionaires Project, which showcases agriculture’s potential for wealth creation.

He noted that this project has empowered over 1,100 youths across Jigawa State’s 11 federal constituencies through seed production, training, and access to markets.

He pledged to facilitate NBRDA’s inclusion in one of the meetings of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. “This would allow NBRDA’s Director General to present the agency’s transformative biotechnology initiatives directly to other state leaders to encourage widespread adoption of innovative agricultural solutions to fuel economic growth and improve livelihoods nationwide,” he said.

Earlier, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha presented several innovative solutions from the agency that align with the Jigawa State administration’s agenda, which the Governor has embraced for collaboration.

On health, both leaders agreed to collaborate on biotechnology-enabled diagnostics and disease research, particularly in mitigating kidney-related illnesses, as well as exploring biogas and clean energy solutions for rural electrification and sustainable fertilisation.

Other areas of collaboration include the production of improved seeds for gum Arabic, training in fish farming and hydroponics, and high-yield crop production for farmers and extension workers in Jigawa State.

In addition, clean energy development from biogas systems that provide both power and organic fertiliser, alongside livestock enhancement through genetic techniques and artificial insemination.

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