Namadi seeks to boost civil servants’ livelihood via agriculture.

Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa has restated his administration’s commitment to improving the livelihood of civil servants in the state through agriculture.

Namadi stated this at the flag-off of the second phase of Workers’ Agricultural Support Programme in Dutse on Monday.

He explained that his administration accorded high priority to agriculture, being the backbone of the state’s economy, with vast majority of citizens depending on it for livelihood.

“In spite of the importance of agriculture, many government workers continue to face challenges in achieving food security due to factors such as inflation, limited resources and access to agricultural inputs.

“It is in recognition of these challenges and importance of food security to the well-being and productivity of our workforce that my administration introduced the Workers’ Agricultural Support Programme.

“This programme is a clear demonstration of our unwavering commitment to improving the livelihood of our civil servants and sustaining our agricultural transformation in line with this government’s 12-point agenda,” Namadi said.

He recalled that in 2024, the government approved over N3 billion for the first phase of the programme, which according to him, successfully benefited 8,828 civil servants and public officials.

The governor added that the positive feedback received, especially concerning transparency and proper utilisation, encouraged the government to approve the continuation of the initiative, hence the second phase.

According to him, the gesture is to ensure that those who were not reached previously, now have the opportunity to benefit.

“We have high expectations that this year’s implementation will surpass the success of the previous phase in terms of impact and efficiency,” Namadi said.

Earlier, the state’s Head of Civil Service (HoS), Mr Muhammad Dagaceri, said this year’s phase was designed to accommodate those not captured in 2024, to ensure that more of committed workers had the opportunity to participate.

“We are targeting a total of 5,750 beneficiaries with an input cost of over N1.24 billion, a substantial investment that underscores our dedication to a greener and more prosperous Jigawa.

“Your Excellency, it is on record, the tremendous success of the first phase of this programme in 2024, of which you graciously approved the sum of over N3.03 billion has benefitted 8,828 civil servants and public office holders.

“That phase was a testament to transparent execution and effective utilisation by beneficiaries,” Dagaceri said.