By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Jigawa State Government has approved a sweeping ₦91.04 billion development package aimed at accelerating infrastructure renewal, expanding clean energy, strengthening healthcare delivery and tackling flooding across the state.
The approvals were taken at a meeting of the State Executive Council chaired by Governor Malam Umar Namadi and were announced in Dutse by the Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Mr. Sagiru Musa Ahmed.
At the heart of the decisions is a major push to improve power supply to public institutions. The council approved ₦689.38 million for electrification and solarisation projects covering key government facilities, educational institutions, hospitals and markets across several local government areas. Beneficiaries include Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse, specialist hospitals in Hadejia and Kazaure, general hospitals in Ringim, Birnin Kudu and Bulangu, NYSC Orientation Camp, Jigawa Television, and major markets in Sara, Gujungu and Maigatari.
In a move aligned with Nigeria’s energy transition, the council also approved ₦563 million for the construction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion workshop training centres and gas conversion facilities in Dutse and Hadejia. The projects are expected to build local capacity and support the shift to cheaper and cleaner transport fuel.
Energy sustainability featured prominently, with ₦15.24 billion approved for solar-powered mini-grids at strategic government facilities, including the Government House, State Secretariat, House of Assembly, Judiciary Complex and major water infrastructure at Shuwarin/Gidan Ihu.
Road infrastructure received the largest allocation, as the EXCO reallocated ₦5.5 billion from existing funds to support the construction of 58.56 kilometres of township roads in Dutse Phase II, Kafin Hausa, Gumel Bypass, Dangyatim and Doko in Garki Local Government Area.
The road projects, valued at ₦57.8 billion, are expected to ease urban congestion and boost local economic activity.
The council also approved a range of social and institutional projects, including the construction of mosques in Kaugama, Kafin Hausa and Maigatari, and the establishment of a Centre for Wetland Research at Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, to deepen research into climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
In the health sector, ₦8.05 billion was approved for the renovation, upgrading and equipping of health facilities across the state. The intervention covers general hospitals in Hadejia, Gumel, Kazaure, Birniwa and several other local governments, the Psychiatric Hospital in Kazaure, the Orthopaedic Hospital in Gumel, as well as the provision of dialysis equipment to hospitals in Dutse, Ringim and Kazaure.
Flood control also featured strongly, with ₦4.89 billion approved for drainage construction in flood-prone communities including Maigatari, Kafin Hausa, Gumel, Gwaram and Malam Madori local government areas.
To sustain Jigawa’s Open Defecation-Free status, the council approved the construction of public conveniences in major markets at Kubsa, Sara and Babura. Youth development was also prioritised, with funding approved for the Jigawa Tech Talent Acquisition Programme to equip young people with digital tools and skills.
Other approvals include the construction and renovation of skill acquisition centres, procurement of vehicles for the State Senior Secondary School Education Board, stormwater drainage in Kiyawa town, and the adoption of a revised Food Safety Policy and Guidelines.
The state government said the package reflects Governor Namadi’s commitment to inclusive growth, climate-smart development and improved service delivery, as Jigawa positions itself for sustainable economic and social transformation.
