The Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Agency (Jigawa-ATA) has convened a key validation workshop to finalize the strategic design of the Jigawa Agribusiness Incubation Programme (AIP)—a landmark initiative aimed at empowering youth and women, creating thousands of jobs, and positioning the state as a hub for agricultural innovation.
Held at the 3-Star Hotel in Dutse, the workshop brought together a wide range of stakeholders to review and enrich the findings of a comprehensive scoping and feasibility study conducted by Agrighar Service Limited, an Indian agribusiness firm partnering with the state. The session marked a major milestone in a process that began with the Jigawa-India Trade Mission in May 2025, transforming a shared vision into a concrete, evidence-based action plan.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Saifullahi Umar, Director-General of Jigawa-ATA, highlighted the importance of collaboration in shaping the programme’s success.
“This gathering marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to revolutionize the agricultural landscape of our dear state,” he said. “Today is about sharing these insights with you—the key actors and beneficiaries—to ensure the path we chart reflects shared vision and collective ownership. Our goal is a concrete roadmap that will empower our youth and women, create jobs, and transform Jigawa State.”
The event was attended by senior government officials, including Gambo Ibrahim Aliyu and Mohammed Idris Danzomo, Special Advisers to the Jigawa State Governor—signifying the strong political backing for the initiative.
Presenting the study findings, Dr. Sowmini Sunkara, Managing Director of Agrighar Service Limited, outlined detailed analyses of Jigawa’s agricultural ecosystem, identifying high-potential value chains and assessing the needs of emerging agripreneurs across the state.
Interactive sessions featured rich contributions from diverse participants, including Dr. Aliyu Inuwa, Director of Agricultural Services; representatives from academia, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC and SON; as well as leaders of the Jigawa Chamber of Commerce, Jigawa Association of Small Scale Industries, processor groups, and farmer cooperatives.
The validated framework for the Jigawa AIP is designed to be inclusive and practical, addressing key gaps in the agricultural value chain. It will provide entrepreneurs with skills training, mentorship, access to finance, modern technology, and market linkages to drive sustainable growth.
With the strategic direction and operational framework now validated, Jigawa-ATA and its partners are set to move toward implementation, with the official launch of the Agribusiness Incubation Programme scheduled for early 2026
