By Ahmed Rufa’I, Dutse

The European Union (EU) has approved £35 million to address the issue of out-of-school children in nine local government areas across Jigawa, Kano, and Sokoto states.

The EU consortium lead and education adviser for PLAN Nigeria, Tobi Ransomed announced this at a project launch workshop held in Dutse.

Under the Accelerating Basic Education and Livelihood Opportunities for Children and Youth in North-Western Nigeria initiative, 417,661 out-of-school children are targeted to re-enroll in education.
The three-year project, implemented by Save the Children International, PLAN International, and DAG, will focus on ensuring literacy and educational access while indirectly benefiting over 12 million people.

Additionally, 60,000 of the enrolled children will receive livelihood support, and some will be awarded scholarships for further studies.
The program’s success relies on support from parents, community leaders, and government officials.

Also speaking the program manager/deputy consortium lead EU, Vandi Hyelladi called on the stakeholders including parents, traditional and religious leaders, government, Community organisations and media to cooperate and support the project to achieve the desired goals of reducing the number of out of schools children in the states.

While making his remarks, after the official commissioning of the program of activities, the Jigawa state governor Malam Umar Namadi, who was represented by his deputy, engineer Aminu Usman Gumel commended EU and other partners for choosing Jigawa state to implement the project.
He expressed gratitude to the EU, aligning the effort with his administration’s development agenda.

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

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.