Jigawa Prioritises Education In ₦698.3bn 2025 Budget

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has presented a ₦698.3 billion budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year, with a strong focus on education, which received the highest sectoral allocation of ₦184 billion. This budget, tagged the “Budget of Innovation & Transformation for Greater Jigawa,” is designed to address the state’s developmental challenges and position it for long-term growth.

Governor Namadi emphasized that education is the foundation of progress, stating that the ₦184 billion allocation—representing 26.4% of the total budget—will strengthen both basic and tertiary education systems. Key initiatives include the construction and rehabilitation of schools, recruitment of more teachers, and the expansion of digital learning access. Notably, the budget will fund the establishment of Model Tsangaya Schools and the creation of a Tsangaya Education Agency, as well as upgrading eight schools to Centers of Excellence.

Healthcare also received significant attention, with ₦150 billion allocated to improve health services across the state. Governor Namadi stated that this funding would support the expansion of free maternal and child healthcare services, the recruitment of additional health professionals, and the upgrading of medical facilities like the Jigawa State Specialist Hospital.

Agriculture, the backbone of Jigawa’s economy, was allocated ₦120 billion, which will be used for irrigation projects, mechanized farming, and livestock development. The governor stressed the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy, with plans to establish Agro-Processing Centers and enhance productivity.

The budget also earmarks ₦100 billion for infrastructure development, focusing on roads, housing, and renewable energy projects. Major projects include the dualization of the Hadejia-Gumel Road and the Jigawa Solar Energy Initiative aimed at improving electricity access in rural areas.

To promote inclusive growth, the government allocated ₦70 billion to social development programs, including youth and women empowerment schemes, as well as conditional cash transfers. Additionally, ₦45.3 billion was dedicated to economic diversification initiatives to reduce the state’s dependence on federal allocations.

Governor Namadi concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to innovation and progress. The 2025 budget, once approved, is expected to foster sustained development and prosperity in Jigawa State. The Speaker of the State House of Assembly commended the governor’s strategic focus on key sectors and assured that the budget would undergo a thorough review.