By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
The Jigawa State Executive Council has given the green light for a series of infrastructure projects totalling over N34.8 billion, including the construction of 560 housing units across all 27 local government areas of the state.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports, and Culture, Alhaji Sagir Musa Ahmed, following a council meeting chaired by Governor Umar Namadi.
The housing project, valued at over N19.63 billion, will feature a combination of three-bedroom and two-bedroom units. Construction will take place in key urban centres including Birnin Kudu, Babura, Dutse, Gumel, and Hadejia, as well as in Kafin Hausa, Maigatari, Ringim, and Kazaure.
In another major development, the council approved more than N14.69 billion for the conversion of conventional streetlights to solar-powered systems in nine local government areas: Auyo, Gumel, Gagarawa, Hadejia, Kafin Hausa, Roni, Ringim, Kazaure, and Taura.
The commissioner explained that the solar project is part of efforts to reduce energy costs, improve sustainability, and enhance street lighting across urban and semi-urban communities in the state.
To further strengthen rural access to clean drinking water, the council awarded a N292 million contract for the drilling of 19 solar-powered water supply schemes. The initiative is intended to improve water availability in underserved areas, particularly remote villages.
Additionally, the council approved a compensation package of over N265 million for landowners affected by the expansion of the School of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Fatara, within the Kiyawa Local Government Area.
Alhaji Sagir Musa also disclosed that the council approved a name change for the Ministry of Special Duties, which will now be known as the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties. The change reflects a broader mandate to encompass humanitarian initiatives alongside its existing responsibilities.
“These approvals demonstrate the administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure expansion, social services, and inclusive development throughout Jigawa State,” the commissioner stated.