By Ahmed Rufai, Dutse

In a bid to harness Jigawa State’s agricultural potential and expand its footprint in global markets, Senator representing Jigawa Northwest,Babangida Hussaini has collaborated with the Nigerian Export and Import (NEXIM) Bank to organize an export-oriented enlightenment program in the region.
This initiative, held at the Gumel Foundation Conference Hall, aims to increase awareness and support for local producers in exporting premium agricultural products like hibiscus, sesame, and soybeans.
In his opening remarks, Senator Hussaini highlighted Jigawa’s reputation as a major producer of internationally sought-after crops but lamented the state’s underrepresentation in Nigeria’s export sector. “Despite being one of the top producers, Jigawa benefits little from the export advantages of these products,” he noted.
The senator explained that after discussions with NEXIM Bank, they identified a need to educate local farmers and producers on critical aspects of the export process, such as production, processing, packaging, and international trade regulations.
“This program represents a framework to engage our people and guide them through the export journey,” he said.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Banking and Finance, Senator Hussaini assured that he would work to create an enabling environment for NEXIM Bank to realize its goals, promoting non-oil exports and helping to drive the Nigerian economy.

NEXIM Bank Managing Director Abba Bello, represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Khalil Gaga, echoed the senator’s sentiments, emphasizing Jigawa’s comparative advantage in non-oil exports. Bello pointed out that despite the state’s vast agricultural resources, Jigawa remains one of Nigeria’s most impoverished states. “This engagement aims to help Jigawa’s producers tap into export opportunities, with NEXIM providing essential support and resources,” Bello remarked.

The program provided local entrepreneurs with insights into the bank’s facilities that could help them enter the international market. Additionally, NEXIM Bank shared guidance on regulatory requirements and practical steps for exporting. Bello added that promoting exports from Jigawa could boost local skills, create jobs, and foster economic growth.

This collaboration underscores a growing focus on empowering Nigeria’s agricultural communities to participate in global trade, with the ultimate goal of poverty reduction and sustainable development in Jigawa State.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Senator representing Jigawa Southwest Senatorial District, Mustapha Khabeeb has empowered 40 youths with a multi-million naira business package, including shoe-making tools and cash.
During a ceremony held in Dutse, the senator and the beneficiaries signed an agreement to utilize the tools for business growth and job creation, ensuring they do not sell or misuse the equipment.

The senator, represented by Jigawa State PDP Secretary, Isa Bello Gwadayi, distributed the shoe-making tools and provided each beneficiary with N100,000 to help them start their businesses.
This empowerment marks the sixth major initiative where both male and female youth have been trained in various skills and equipped with tools and capital to establish their businesses.

Senator Khabeeb emphasized that many youth in the region have now become self-reliant, contributing to the local economy by creating jobs for others.
He further stated that his office is committed to reaching every family in the district with similar empowerment programs.

The 40 beneficiaries had completed a 21-day training in shoe-making at the Federal University Dutse (FUD) Department of Entrepreneurship, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology, Zaria.
Each participant received a certificate, and the beneficiaries presented some of their own-made leather shoes to the PDP leaders in attendance.

In gratitude for the senator’s support, the graduands presented him with an award for his exemplary leadership and commitment to improving the livelihoods of youths in the state.
The senator assured his constituents of more empowerment initiatives in the future, urging the beneficiaries to share their knowledge with others in their communities.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Anxiety is rising among Jigawa State civil servants as uncertainty looms over the implementation date of the recently approved N70,000 minimum wage.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi had announced the wage increase in a brief media address just days before departing for a two-week overseas vacation, leaving questions unanswered about when the new wage will take effect.

Despite the governor’s announcement, the lack of a specified implementation timeline has left many workers wondering if they will receive arrears once the payment begins.
The National Update gathered that Governor Namadi’s brief address was silent on these details, sparking concerns across the workforce.

Some state employees have expressed both appreciation and apprehension regarding the governor’s move.
A civil servant in the Ministry of Agriculture, who requested anonymity, praised the governor’s decision, noting, “We are happy with the governor’s approval of the N70,000 minimum wage, especially during these times of economic hardship and inflation.”

A primary school teacher also voiced gratitude but questioned the delay, saying, “It’s great that the minimum wage has been approved, but when will it actually start? This feels like half-information.
“The president approved the federal minimum wage months ago, yet federal employees haven’t received it. Is this just another promise?”

Attempts to clarify the timeline from the Jigawa State Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Muhammed Dagiteri, were unsuccessful, as he was reportedly out of the state on official duty. However, a source within the office, who requested anonymity, mentioned that the Accountant General’s office is responsible for salary preparation and payments, as instructed by Governor Namadi.

When contacted, the state’s Accountant General, Alhaji Abdullahi SG Shehu, explained that his office awaits directives: “I am not in a position to say when the new salary will commence. My responsibility is to execute payments once I receive the order.”

Additionally, Comrade Sunusi Alhassan, the chairman of the Jigawa branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), confirmed that no formal agreement had been signed regarding the wage increase. He stated, “As of now, we have not signed any agreement.”

The absence of clear information has left Jigawa State workers in limbo, awaiting further guidance on when the promised minimum wage increase will reach their pockets.