Jigawa State’s agricultural sector has been championed as a critical driver for economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation by the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM). The Managing Director, Mr. Abba Bello, speaking through a representative, Alhaji Ibrahim Khalil Gaga, at an export promotion campaign in Gumel Local Government Area, emphasized Jigawa’s unique agricultural advantage and highlighted new opportunities for the region to expand into Nigeria’s thriving non-oil export market.
Mr. Bello pointed out that Jigawa’s production of globally demanded crops such as sesame and hibiscus offers the state a strong competitive edge, making it a prime candidate for driving significant export growth. “Our goal with this campaign is to guide Jigawa’s farmers and entrepreneurs on how to utilize NEXIM’s resources to access international markets,” he explained. “This initiative can be instrumental in reducing poverty and stimulating economic activity across the region.”
The campaign outlined key requirements, procedures, and regulatory guidelines for export, with a focus on streamlining access for local farmers, cooperatives, and agro-processors. Alhaji Ibrahim Khalil Gaga noted that NEXIM Bank’s programs offer various types of financial support, including export credit, capacity-building sessions, and technical support for handling international trade logistics.
In his address, Senator Babangida Hussaini, representing Jigawa Northwest, underscored the untapped potential of Jigawa’s agricultural exports. “While Jigawa’s sesame and hibiscus crops are prized in global markets, the local communities have yet to fully benefit from this demand,” Senator Hussaini said. He pledged ongoing collaboration with NEXIM Bank to facilitate access to export resources, help farmers improve product quality, and foster the growth of local agribusinesses.
The NEXIM Bank campaign also drew attention to the potential for job creation through exports. Developing Jigawa’s export market is projected to increase employment within the farming sector and drive expansion in related industries, such as logistics, packaging, and processing. This ripple effect promises to benefit thousands of households, improving livelihoods and strengthening the local economy.
In addition to direct economic benefits, the export program seeks to develop skills and resilience among Jigawa’s farmers, offering them tools to build sustainable income and safeguard against economic fluctuations. The campaign encourages youth involvement in agriculture, aiming to cultivate a new generation of farmers equipped to compete in international markets.
Attendees at the event expressed enthusiasm for the insights and training offered, with many local farmers eager to connect with NEXIM Bank for further guidance. The state government, private sector stakeholders, and civil society organizations all expressed support for the initiative, seeing it as a vital step toward unlocking Jigawa’s agricultural potential and contributing to the broader goal of economic diversification in Nigeria.
