By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has initiated the procurement of 5 million date plant seedlings for distribution across 11 states, aiming to establish shelter belts and boost Nigeria’s commercial date production.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammad Hameem Nuhu Sanusi, the Director General of NAGGW, Alhaji Saleh Abubakar, revealed that the agency has partnered with Sulaiman Farms and Agro-Allied Company Limited for the project.

“We are in Jigawa State to inspect the seedlings before distributing them to beneficiary states. Dutse has demonstrated excellence in date production,” Abubakar stated.

The DG highlighted the dual benefits of the initiative, emphasizing its environmental and economic value.
“Twenty date seedlings can generate up to N12 million annually once they start bearing fruits in a few years.
On a larger scale, the plantations are expected to contribute about N300 billion annually to the national economy,” he said.

The project will also enhance Nigeria’s capacity as a potential exporter of dates, creating jobs and boosting agricultural productivity in the selected states.

The Emir of Dutse, His Highness Alhaji Muhammad Hameem Nuhu Sanusi, lauded the initiative, urging other agencies to explore Jigawa State’s agricultural potential.

“My late father, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi, was passionate about date farming and even sought advanced techniques from Morocco. This project aligns with his vision and will greatly benefit the state and nation,” the Emir said.

The monarch also praised the project consultant, Alhaji Bashir Aminu, describing him as a patriotic son of Dutse Emirate committed to agricultural development.
The Consultant for the project and Chairman of Sulaiman Farms and Agro-Allied Company Limited, Alhaji Bashir Aminu (Dan Amar Dutse), noted Jigawa State’s unique position in the global date market.

“With over 150 species of dates, Jigawa has the potential to lead the world in date production. Our farm is prepared to support large-scale cultivation to ensure Nigeria becomes a major exporter of this vital crop,” Aminu stated.
The NAGGW delegation inspected date plant pre-nurseries and plantations at Sulaiman Farms, underscoring the agency’s commitment to addressing desertification while boosting economic development through sustainable agriculture.

This landmark project is a critical step in positioning Nigeria as an agricultural powerhouse and mitigating the environmental effects of desertification.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to offer robust support to the military as it intensifies efforts to address insecurity and create an enabling environment for trade and business across the country.

This appeal was made during the opening ceremony of the 45th International Trade Fair organized by the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KACCIMA). The minister’s remarks were conveyed in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media, Malam Mati Ali.

Alhaji Badaru emphasized the critical role of peace and security in national development, stating, “Peace and security are the cornerstones of development in any society. Improving the security situation will pave the way for enhanced economic prosperity.”
Reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to restoring peace and stability, the minister called on Nigerians to support the government through prayers and maintain confidence in the nation’s security forces.
He acknowledged their dedication as essential to sustaining progress in combating insecurity.
Badaru commended KACCIMA for its commitment to hosting the annual trade fair, describing such initiatives as vital to strengthening Nigeria’s economy.
He highlighted the importance of non-oil exports in achieving economic diversification, urging stakeholders to collaborate in harnessing the country’s export potential.
The trade fair, a platform for showcasing products and fostering business connections, aligns with national efforts to boost commerce and industrialization while creating opportunities for local and international partnerships.
The minister’s call underscored the critical link between security and economic growth, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to ensure a stable and prosperous Nigeria.

From Ahmed Rafa’i, Dutse
The Jigawa State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its members to embark on an indefinite strike, citing the state government’s failure to implement the approved N70,000 minimum wage.
The Jigawa State Government had earlier constituted a committee to align with the national wage policy.
While the committee made recommendations, the delay in implementation has frustrated workers and unions.
In a circular jointly signed by NLC Chairman Comrade Sunusi Alhassan and Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman Comrade Bashir Tijjani Abubakar, the unions expressed their readiness to commence industrial action if the state government does not fulfill its commitment by November 30, 2024.

The circular stated, “All affiliates and organs in the state are to begin mobilization for full compliance with this directive if the state government fails to pay the new minimum wage by the last day of November 2024.”
The organized labour disclosed that, after prolonged negotiations, they had accepted the salary tables proposed by the state government for the implementation of the new wage structure.
“This resolution was reached at a joint State Executive Council meeting of the NLC and TUC held on November 18, 2024, at Labour House, Dutse.
The leadership of organized labour was also directed to proceed with signing necessary agreements to ensure immediate implementation,” the circular noted.

Despite this, the unions stressed their obligation to comply with a national directive mandating strikes in states where the N70,000 minimum wage is yet to be fully implemented.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi had announced his administration’s approval of the N70,000 minimum wage on October 26, 2024, after receiving a report from a government committee led by the Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Muhammad Dagiteri.
However, the announcement lacked clarity on when the payment would commence, leaving workers in suspense.
The unions affirmed their readiness to engage with the government but warned that delays would no longer be tolerated.
“We have informed the government of our readiness to sign the agreement whenever it is presented. However, we remain committed to the directive from the national NLC and TUC, which requires strike action in states that have not implemented the new minimum wage by December 1, 2024,” they stated.

The impending strike threatens to paralyze public services across the state as workers demand immediate compliance with the new wage policy.