The Jigawa State Government has taken a significant step to maximise land utilisation by recovering abused farmlands and redistributing them to legitimate farmers and investors throughout its 27 local government districts.

Prior to this event, the state government had clarified that they had set up a committee to recover misappropriated farmlands within the state, guarantee prompt action, and foster amicable coexistence between farmers and herders.

Along with promoting economic growth in Jigawa State, Gov. Namadi had emphasised that his administration was working to increase.

While briefing reporters on the resolutions of the Jigawa State Executive Council Meeting which was presided over by the governor 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 Bala Ibrahim, the Secretary to the Jigawa State Government, has made significant progress in recovering unauthorised 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,” Musa added.

Furthermore, Musa pointed out 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 positively impact the state’s economy and citizens.”

As the commissioner highlighted, the Jigawa State Government has launched the Nigeria for Women Program—Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) to enhance women’s economic empowerment.

Musa further noted that the committee includes representatives from various ministries, including Women Affairs, Finance, Budget, Health, Agriculture, and Education.

Source: Punch