By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Jigawa State government has earmarked ₦30 million for the development of an Electronic Procurement Portal to ensure transparency and efficiency in awarding state contracts and monitoring projects.

The Director General of the Jigawa State Due Process and Projects Monitoring Bureau, Professor Kassim Muhammad, made the disclosure during the defense of the bureau’s 2025 budget proposal before the House Committee on Due Process and Projects Monitoring.

Professor Muhammad indicated that the government allocated ₦70 million to the bureau for its 2025 operations, with ₦30 million specifically set aside for the development of the portal and an additional ₦10 million for its routine maintenance.

“Another ₦10 million is allocated for staff capacity building, while ₦20 million will be spent on the Zonal Annual Procurement Forum,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Malam Umar Namadi and the state legislature for their support, which has enabled the bureau to perform its duties effectively.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Due Process, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir Ibrahim, representing Birnin Kudu Constituency, commended the bureau for its critical role in vetting, inspecting, and monitoring government projects.

Similarly, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi Tura Musari, a member representing Guri Constituency, emphasized the need for the bureau to establish zonal offices to ensure comprehensive monitoring of government projects across the state.

The initiative underscoreed Jigawa State’s commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability in public procurement processes.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Prime Initiative for Development and Fiscal Transparency (PIDFT), a leading non-governmental organization, has applauded Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi for the innovative and transformative 2025 budget.

In a statement issued in Dutse by the organization’s Executive Director, Mal. Muhammad Abdul Dutse, the group described the ₦698.3 billion budget as a bold commitment to advancing social and infrastructural development across the state.

Mal.Dutse commended the governor’s dedication to fostering sustainable growth and improving citizens’ living standards despite the prevailing economic challenges and the recent tax reform bill.

He highlighted key innovations in the budget, including the implementation of the Jigawa Integrated Tax Administration System (JIGITAS) for seamless online tax collection, the establishment of the Jigawa Engagement and Enlightenment Team (JEET) for taxpayer engagement, and the creation of a Tax Audit Unit to tackle evasion and improve compliance.

The introduction of a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) was also praised as a progressive step to address taxpayers’ concerns effectively. Citizens can now access GRM contact points across the state to resolve tax-related issues, ensuring transparency and accountability in revenue collection.

PIDFT urged residents, businesses, and stakeholders to support the administration’s vision by complying with tax obligations. “Tax compliance is not just a civic duty but a critical pathway to funding essential services and driving transformative development,” the statement read.

The group called on the people of Jigawa to rally behind Governor Namadi’s administration in achieving the ambitious goals outlined in the 2025 budget, emphasizing that collective effort is essential for its success.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammad Hameem Nuhu, has turbaned Alhaji Abubakar Sule Lamido as the new Kaigaman Dutse and district head of Bamaina in Birninkudu Local Government Area, Jigawa State.
The colorful ceremony took place at the Emir’s palace, where Lamido was presented with a letter of appointment.
In his address, the Emir praised Lamido’s character, dedication, and contributions to the community, which led to his selection for the prestigious role.
The appointment followed recommendations from the Emirate Council and approval from the state governor, Malam Umar Namadi.
The Emir urged Lamido to use his religious and modern education to bring peace and development to Bamaina and the wider Jigawa State.
HRH Alhaji Nuhu, speaking through the Galadima of Dutse, Alhaji Basiru Muhammad Sunusi, noted that Lamido’s deep commitment to the palace and the district was a key factor in his selection.
The Emir expressed confidence that Lamido would serve the people with fairness and integrity, particularly in his responsibility to manage and distribute Zakka (almsgiving), which is crucial for the community’s welfare.

In his acceptance speech, Alhaji Lamido thanked the Emir, the governor, and the Emirate Council for the trust placed in him. He pledged to work tirelessly to improve the welfare of the people of Bamaina and fulfill his duties with utmost dedication.