By Abbas Nazil
Governor Umar Namadi has unveiled plans to expand aquaculture investment in Jigawa State as part of efforts to increase fish production, improve livelihoods and strengthen food security.
The announcement was made during the 2026 Kalgwai Fishing Festival, held at the Kalgwai Barrage Waterfront, where stakeholders including fishermen, farmers and community leaders gathered for the annual event.
Namadi emphasized that the festival is not merely a cultural celebration but a strategic initiative aimed at advancing fisheries development and economic growth in the state.
He noted that his administration has already recorded progress through targeted interventions such as restocking water bodies, producing millions of fingerlings and providing training and modern fishing equipment to local fishermen.
According to him, these initiatives are designed to enhance fish output while promoting sustainable management of aquatic resources across the state.
The governor also highlighted the importance of continued investment, revealing that the 2026 budget includes substantial allocations for livestock and fisheries development to sustain ongoing progress.
He said the funding would support infrastructure development, capacity building and partnerships that are critical to transforming the sector.
Namadi further underscored the social significance of the festival, stating that it fosters unity among different groups, including fishermen, herders and farmers, while promoting shared economic opportunities.
Earlier, Commissioner for Livestock Development Abdurrahman Salim described the festival as both a cultural and economic milestone that reflects the state’s commitment to livelihoods and prosperity.
He outlined several ongoing programmes aimed at strengthening the fisheries sector, including youth and women empowerment initiatives, restocking efforts and expanded fish production schemes.
Among the key projects, Salim revealed plans to hatch five million fish to boost supply, alongside distributing modern fishing equipment to cooperatives and individual fishermen.
He also pointed to Jigawa’s natural advantage, noting that the state has more than 243 water bodies rich in commercially viable fish, making fisheries a vital source of employment, nutrition and income generation.
The Kalgwai Fishing Festival, first introduced in 2003 and recently revived by the current administration, continues to serve as a platform for promoting fisheries development and strengthening community ties.
The renewed focus on aquaculture signals the government’s broader strategy to diversify the economy, enhance food production and create sustainable opportunities for residents across the state.