Mahony Energy and Power is in partnership with the Jigawa state government to create a self-sustaining, fully mechanized agricultural hub that will significantly boost the agro-allied sector, enhance food security, and drive economic growth in the state.
The partnership is expected to generate 100,000 direct jobs and 120,000 indirect jobs, contributing to poverty reduction and economic stimulation, as the project is to be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), while the initiative will involve collaborations with research institutions, universities, and foreign investors to ensure success.
Speaking in Jigawa on Wednesday during an official visit to the Governor of the state, Malam Umar Namadi, the Managing Director of the company, Engr. Musa Suleiman disclosed that the project which was tagged: JIGAWA Agricultural City (JAC) project spans proposed 50,000 hectares of land dedicated to agricultural production, livestock farming, and aquaculture in the state.
On the utilization of the 50,000 hectares of lands, Engr. Suleiman explained that 21,000 hectares will focus on high-value crops such as rice, cassava, yams, plantains, and pineapples, while 10,000 hectares will support livestock and fish farming, including 500,000 cows, 1 million goats, 3 million sheep, and 5 million fish. Modern processing and packaging facilities will ensure high-quality output tailored to market demands.
“In addition to agricultural activities, the project includes significant infrastructure development, featuring roads, bridges, utilities, housing, recreational parks, five-star hotels, schools, hospitals, and a commercial city center. These developments aim to enhance living standards and create a vibrant economic ecosystem.
“With a planned completion by 2028, the JAC project is poised to revolutionize NIGERIA’s agricultural sector, aligning with the government’s vision for sustainable development and economic diversification,” Suleiman explained.
The Managing Director of Mahony noted that Jigawa state is one of the most peaceful states in the country, and also being an investment driven state with the capacity for full scale farming which he said is the cardinal principle of the Malam Umar Namadi led administration. ” What is required from Jigawa state government is the land and security. The partners are ready”.
On his part, the Governor of Jigawa state, Malam Umar Namadi described the initiative as a good project for the state and its people, adding that it would benefit the people 9f the state.
While speaking, Gov. Namadi further explained that a channel of communication has already been established, which is going to be a win-win for the company and the state. “The document submitted by your company has already been studied, and you had made clarification on our request,” Governor Namadi disclosed.
Meanwhile, our reporter gathered that the project, if completed, it would provide 100, 000 direct skill job and 120,000 indirect unskilled jobs to the residents of the state.