From Abdullahi Shugaba in Dutse
The Jigawa State Commissioner of Information Youth and Sports, Alhaji Sagir Musa Ahmed said that Rano Air in collaboration with the Jigawa State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to commence Commercial Airflight Operations from Dutse to Abuja.
Ahmed disclosed this to newsmen on Major Decisions Reached after the Routine State Executive Council Meeting chaired by the the Executive Governor of Jigawa State held in Dutse.
The Commissioner said that the Council has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Jigawa State Government and Rano Air for the commencement of scheduled commercial flight operations from Dutse to Abuja and back to Dutse route with immediate effect.
According to him, the approval was granted during the State Executive Council meeting following the consideration and adoption of the report submitted by the Committee constituted to facilitate the commencement of commercial flight operations in the state. The Committee was chaired by His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Engr. Aminu Usman.
He noted that the Council’s decision is in line with His Excellency Malam Umar A. Namadi FCA administration’s commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and creating an enabling environment for economic growth and investment.
The introduction of regular commercial flights between Dutse and Abuja is expected to ease travel for residents, investors, business executives, development partners, and other stakeholders while strengthening Jigawa State’s integration into the national economy.
The partnership with Rano Air represents a significant milestone in the State Government’s efforts to maximise the potential of the Dutse International Airport and expand access to reliable air transport services.
The commencement of flight operations is also expected to stimulate commerce, tourism, investment, and job creation across the state.
“This landmark initiative reflects the unflinching commitment of the administration of His Excellency, the Governor of Jigawa State, to delivering sustainable infrastructure, improving public service delivery, and advancing the socio-economic development of the state”.
The State Executive Council also Constituted Committee On Registration Of Transit Herders To Promote Peaceful Coexistence
In furtherance of the Jigawa State Government’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and pastoralists, as well as ensuring the free and orderly movement of livestock across the state, the State Executive Council has approved the constitution of a high-level committee to develop a framework for the registration of transit herders.
The initiative is particularly aimed at facilitating the movement of herders returning to the state after the rainy season grazing period in the Republic of Niger, while strengthening measures to enhance security, livestock management, and public health.
The committee is mandated to examine the proposed registration of transit herders and recommend practical measures that will foster harmonious relationships between farming and pastoral communities.
It will also develop strategies to improve livestock traceability, promote the production of healthy livestock, and support the sustainable development of the livestock sector in Jigawa State.
The committee comprise of:
I.The Secretary to the State Government – Chairman
Honourable Commissioners of Livestock Development – Member
Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice – Member
Commissioners of Environment Member
Commissioners Health – Members
Honourable Commissioner of Local Govt – Member SA Security to His Excellency – Member
The Permanent Secretary, Special Services, will serve as the Committee Secretary.
The Council expressed confidence that the committee’s recommendations will provide a comprehensive framework for the effective management of trans-humance, strengthen peace and security in rural communities, safeguard public health, and contribute to the continued growth of the livestock economy in the State.
State Executive Council also approved Contract for Construction of New Emir’s Palace in Dutse
in line with His Excellency, Malam Umar A. Namadi administration’s commitment to providing critical urban infrastructure and strengthening traditional institutions.
The contract is valued at Two Billion, Seven Hundred and Seventy-One Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-Five Thousand, Five Hundred and Twenty Naira, Eighty-Four Kobo (₦2,771,265,520.84) only for the construction of new Emir’s Palace in Dutse in recognition of the vital role traditional institutions play in promoting community development, preserving cultural heritage, fostering peaceful coexistence, and supporting conflict prevention and resolution.
The project is expected to deliver a modern palace befitting the status and dignity of the Emirate while serving as a symbol of the state’s rich cultural heritage.
State Executive Council Approves Hosting of the 41st National Qur’anic Recitation Competition in Jigawa State
It also considered and approved a memorandum presented by the Honorable Commissioner Ministry of Higher Education seeking approval for the Jigawa State to host the 41st Edition of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, scheduled to hold in Dutse, Jigawa State, from 14th to 30th November, 2026.
The approval is in line with the present administration commitment to the promotion and advancement of Qur’anic education and the preservation of Islamic values through sustained support for programmes that encourage scholarship, excellence, and moral development.
The Council noted that hosting the prestigious national competition will further consolidate Jigawa State’s position as a leading centre of excellence in Qur’anic education and provide a platform for fostering national unity, religious understanding, and cultural interaction among participants from the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
In addition, the Council has expressed confidence that hosting the prestigious competition will further reinforce Jigawa State’s reputation as a centre of excellence in Qur’anic education, promote national unity through religious and cultural interaction, and stimulate socio-economic activities across the state during the period of the event.
State Executive Council Approves Sponsorship Of 92 Lecturers Out Of 120 Selected For Postgraduate Studies At Integral University, India
The 92 lecturers were drawn from state-owned tertiary institutions to pursue Master’s and PhD programmes at Integral University, Lucknow, India, for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The approval is in line with His Excellency Malam Umar A. Namadi FCA’s administration’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of academic staff, improving the quality of teaching and research, and enhancing the standard of higher education across the state’s tertiary institutions.
The Council approved the sum of Six Hundred and Seventy-Six Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (₦676,200,000.00) only to cover tuition fees of the beneficiaries.
In addition, the Council approved the sum of Six Hundred and Eleven Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy Naira (₦611,860,270.00) only as twelve (12) months’ living allowance covering the period from September 2026 to August 2027.
The approval also provides for digital authentication of academic results, NDLEA drug tests, police character certificates, yellow cards, estacode, and other related requirements for the ninety-two (92) students and one (1) government official, the Executive Secretary of the Scholarship Board, who will coordinate and support the programme.
The Council expressed confidence that the beneficiaries will acquire advanced knowledge and specialised skills that will significantly contribute to the transformation of tertiary education in Jigawa State upon their return.
While congratulating the successful beneficiaries, the Council urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of the State and Nigeria throughout the duration of their studies.
They are expected to serve a bond of five (5) years in the service of the Jigawa State Government to apply the knowledge and experience gained towards advancing academic excellence and supporting the socio-economic development of Jigawa State.
The council approved Procurement of New Generators to Boost Water Supply across Jigawa State
As part of the present administration’s commitment to improving healthcare, sanitation, and the overall wellbeing of residents across Jigawa State, the State Executive Council has approved the award of a contract for the procurement and installation of brand-new power generating sets for key water supply facilities across the state at the total contract sum of Two Hundred and Eighty-Five Million, Thirty-Four Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventeen Naira, Three Kobo (₦285,034,817.03) only.
He explained that the approval covers the supply of:
One (1) brand-new 350 KVA parking generator for the Birnin Kudu Main Water Station.
Two (2) brand-new 250 KVA parking generators, one each for the Hadejia Main Water Station and the Muhammad Ayuba Main Water Station in Kazaure.
This strategic investment is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted operation of these major water stations, thereby guaranteeing a reliable and sustainable supply of potable drinking water to residents across the affected communities.
The Council approval is aimed at strengthening critical infrastructure, improving public health outcomes, and enhancing access to safe drinking water, which remains essential for promoting good sanitation and preventing water-borne diseases.
State Executive Council Approves Procurement of Solar-Powered De-Flooding and Mobile Irrigation Machines to Boost Agricultural Productivity
As part of the present administration’s commitment to strengthening agricultural development, enhancing irrigation farming, and promoting sustainable water management and flood control across Jigawa State, the Council has approved the procurement of ten (10) units of De-Flooding Customised Industrial Solar Pumps and All-in-One Mobile Irrigation Machines.
The De-Flooding Solar Machines has the capacity to irrigate 500Ha of cluster farmlands in line with the state government efforts to reduce the cost of irrigation agriculture of communities around the riverbanks.
The sum of One Billion, Seven Hundred and Sixty-Seven Million, Four Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty Naira (₦1,767,483,950.00) only was approved for the procurement of the ten (10) units of the specialised equipment.
The procurement is aimed at improving irrigation infrastructure, mitigating the impact of flooding on farmlands, and expanding access to efficient, solar-powered irrigation systems for farmers across the state.
The initiative is expected to enhance year-round agricultural production, improve crop yields, and contribute significantly to food security and rural economic development that will increase productivity, create employment opportunities, and improve the livelihoods of farmers, while supporting the state’s broader agenda for sustainable economic growth.
The State Executive Council has also pproved N2.404 Billion Contract for Procurement of Organic Fertilisers and Crop Growth Enhancers to Boost Climate-Smart Agriculture
He explained that the award of the contract valued at Two Billion, Four Hundred and Four Million, Three Hundred and Seventy-Four Thousand, Twenty-Five Naira (₦2,404,374,025.00) only for the procurement of organic fertilisers and crop growth enhancers is under the State’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiative for the 2026 Farming Session.
He said the procurement comprises the followings:
Geo-Plus Organic Fertiliser – 30,000 sachets
Geo-Green Organic Fertiliser 20,000 sachets,
Topper Growth Enhancer – 100,000, 4itres,Tree Growth Enhancer – 2,500 units
The Council approval would serve as intervention designed to cushion the severe hardship currently being experienced by farmers as a result of prevailing economic challenges, particularly the skyrocketing cost of essential agricultural inputs, including fertilisers, alongside the relatively low prices of agricultural produce.
These factors have significantly affected farmers’ productivity, profitability, and overall capacity to sustain food production.
State Executive Council Approves Award of Contract for Infrastructure Development at Government Science and Technical College, Auyo
As part of the present administration’s continued commitment to strengthening technical and vocational education across the State, the Council has approved the award of a contract for infrastructure development at Government Science and Technical College (GSTC), Auyo, at the total sum of One Billion, One Hundred and Fifty-Seven Million, Five Hundred and Eleven Thousand, Three Hundred and Eighty-Seven Naira, Thirty-Seven Kobo (₦1,157,511,387.37) only.
The project is aimed at upgrading and expanding the facilities at Government Science and Technical College (GSTC), Auyo, to provide a modern, conducive and well-equipped learning environment that supports quality technical and vocational education.
The investment is expected to enhance teaching and learning, improve students’ practical skills acquisition, and increase the institution’s capacity to produce competent graduates equipped for the demands of the modern workforce.
State Executive Council Approves Roadmap for Implementation of Recommendations of the 2025 Jigawa State Government Citizens’ Engagement Programme
The Council has approved the Roadmap for the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Report of the 2025 Jigawa State Government Citizens’ Engagement Programme (Gwamnati da Jama’a), earlier presented by the Community Council Committee chaired by the Chief of Staff to His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Mustapha Makama.
The roadmap approval is in furtherance of the 12-Point Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, Malam Umar A. Namadi, FCA, and its commitment to institutionalising inclusive governance, transparency, accountability, and citizens’ participation in public decision-making.
As part of the approved roadmap, the Council endorsed the establishment of Community Engagement Desks in all the twenty-seven (27) Local Government Areas and a State Citizens’ Engagement Coordinating Desk at the Ministry of Information, Youth, Sport and Culture.
The Council also approved the institutionalisation of quarterly Government-Citizen Town Hall Meetings at both the State and Local Government levels to provide a structured platform for continuous dialogue on government policies, projects, service delivery, and development priorities.
In addition, the Council further approved the development of a Digital Citizens’ Feedback and Complaint Platform, the publication of periodic Government Performance and Accountability Reports, and the integration of citizens’ priorities into government planning and decision-making processes.
These measures are intended to strengthen public trust, improve service delivery, and promote greater citizen participation in governance.
Similarly, the Council directed all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to commence implementation of the approved Roadmap under the coordination of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, with periodic progress reports to be submitted to the Council.
