Jigawa Sets Aside 100,000 Hectares for Massive Alfalfa Project to Transform Livestock Grazing

A bold new chapter opened for Jigawa State as Governor Umar Namadi supervised the signing of a sweeping Memorandum of Understanding with a consortium of investors to launch one of Africa’s largest alfalfa cultivation projects. The state has committed up to 100,000 hectares of land for the initiative—an unprecedented move aimed at reshaping livestock grazing and boosting agricultural productivity.

Source: dady.ringim

The agreement followed a visit by a powerful delegation led by NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, accompanied by top financial and investment leaders from NEXIM Bank, MOFI, Jaiz Bank, NSIA, and key private-sector partners including Capemano, Alami Capital, EL-Meena Farms, and Matura Farm.

Governor Namadi reaffirmed agriculture as Jigawa’s heartbeat, stressing that nearly 90 percent of the state’s economy relies on the sector. He highlighted Jigawa’s national rankings—second-best state for ease of doing business, Nigeria’s leading wheat producer, and a rising giant in rice cultivation with 315,000 hectares grown this year alone. With a target of 500,000 hectares by 2030, he said the state is firmly on course.

He described alfalfa as a transformative opportunity for livestock development, noting Jigawa’s strategic decision to create a dedicated Ministry for Livestock and its pride in hosting the Maigatari market, the largest livestock market in Africa. The success of Matura Farm’s pilot project, he added, has already proven that Jigawa can produce world-class alfalfa.

Governor Namadi assured investors that the full 100,000 hectares needed for the project will be provided, backed by a peaceful environment, investor-friendly policies, and the seamless support of InvestJigawa, the state’s one-stop investment platform.

NITDA DG Kashifu Inuwa affirmed that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda, adding that Jigawa’s stability and readiness made it an ideal hub for large-scale agricultural expansion.

Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Salim Mohammed, described alfalfa as a high-protein super forage capable of transforming milk production, meat quality, and breeding outcomes. He noted that the project will create thousands of jobs and directly improve the livelihoods of pastoral communities, especially Fulani herders.