The Jigawa State Government says it has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to boost economic development by securing approval for the Dutse International Airport to operate as a cargo terminal to enhance agricultural exports, attract investments, and create new opportunities for local businesses and farmers.
The development was announced by Governor Umar Namadi on Tuesday evening while receiving a delegation from Saudi Arabian-based agricultural firm, Alyaseen Agricultural Company, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Dutse, the state capital.
Arewa PUNCH recalls that the Dutse International Airport was established in 2014 during the tenure of Governor Sule Lamido, with the aim of facilitating air travel and boosting economic development and tourism in Jigawa State.
However, despite the billions of naira spent to build the airport, for several years, it had been largely underutilised, with its operations limited to conveying pilgrims to Hajj during the annual pilgrimage season.
Occasionally, the airport also accommodated flights for top government officials at both the federal and state levels, but such instances are very rare.
Meanwhile, Arewa PUNCH learnt that the state’s stakeholders have begun to raise questions about the viability of the airport and its efficiency status, further querying the state’s investment in the project.
According to the governor, the move to convert the airport to a Cargo Terminal is expected to enhance the state’s agricultural export capabilities, attract investments, and create new opportunities for local businesses and farmers, ultimately driving economic growth and prosperity in the region.
The governor revealed that the approval will facilitate the exportation of agricultural produce and other goods from the state.
“This development is expected to boost the state’s economy and provide new opportunities for local farmers and businesses,” he noted.
Namadi, who assured that his government has made all necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth operation of the cargo terminal, stated that “on its part, the Jigawa State Government has made all necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth operation of the cargo terminal.”
The governor also assured the farmers in the state that the government has lined up a series of programs to boost agricultural production through the use of innovation and technology.
According to him, “this initiative is expected to increase productivity and efficiency in the agricultural sector.”
While speaking on the visit by the officials of the Alyaseen Agricultural Company, Namadi said the interaction with officials of the company is a testament to the state’s potential for agricultural production, disclosing that “the company’s interest in the state is expected to open up new opportunities for collaboration and investment.”
Earlier while speaking, the team leader of the visiting Al-Yaseen Agricultural Company, Dr. Shu’aibu Abubakar hailed the state government for developing the state while assuring the governor of the company’s readiness to support Jigawa’s mechanisation drive to realise its agricultural transformation ambition.
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