Jigawa Governor Namadi Presents N698bn Budget for 2025, Vows Unprecedented Development
By Tahir Muhammad, Dutse
Governor Umar Namadi has unveiled the 2025 budget proposal of N698.3 billion before the Jigawa state House of Assembly seeking for its blessing.
The estimates tagged “Budget of Innovation & Transformation for Greater Jigawa,” is aimed at addressing critical areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, with a promise to deliver meaningful change in the lives of Jigawa State citizens.
Speaking while presenting the appropriation bill to the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Governor Namadi described the budget as a bold step toward creating a self-reliant and prosperous state.
Governor Namadi highlighted the key budget allocations, including N90.76 billion—representing 13%—as personnel costs covering the new N70,000 minimum wage and critical recruitment in education and healthcare sectors and N63.69 billion—representing 9%—for recurrent expenses like scholarships, feeding programs, and utilities. A historic N534.76 billion—representing 76%—has been allocated to capital investment.
A substantial portion of the budget—over N148 billion—has been earmarked for roads and infrastructure, as Governor Namadi assure to complete 46 ongoing road projects.
On the state’s energy needs, Governor Namadi also announced plans for a 100 MW solar power plant and a solar panel manufacturing facility, with a combined allocation of N39.4 billion. He described the investment as a pivotal step in expanding energy access and attracting private investments.
Agriculture, which is the number one priority sector in the budget, received over N136 billion to boost food security, economic diversification, job creation, and poverty reduction.
Key initiatives include N13 billion for agricultural mechanization, N26 billion for crops rehabilitation, N2.05 billion for livestock development alongside a new ministry for livestock development, and N13.16 billion for comprehensive agricultural transformation programs like agribusiness irrigation and trade/export development.
Also, N11.5 billion is earmarked for Fadama development programs and extension services, ensuring ongoing projects are sustained and agricultural productivity is enhanced.
Education, another of the administration’s top priorities, received a staggering allocation of N120 billion. The governor reaffirmed his commitment to improving education outcomes, particularly through programs like the Partner-Assisted New Globe Education Digital Learning Project.
“Education is the foundation of progress. By equipping our children with quality education, we are investing in Jigawa’s long-term growth,” he stated.
Healthcare also took center stage in the proposed budget, with over N40 billion allocated to the sector. Plans include a medical village, which will feature a diagnostic and cardiac center as well as an oxygen plant.
Governor Namadi called the initiative a turning point for the state’s health sector.
