File image: Entrance of Border Free Trade Zone, Maigatari, Jigawa state.
The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved ₦586.26 million for the renovation of facilities at the Maigatari Border Free Zone and the neighbouring Government Guest House in Gumel, in a move aimed at boosting cross-border trade, investment and economic activities in the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday at the Government House in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.
Musa said, “The council approved the award of a contract valued at ₦586,260,886.44 for the renovation of various structures at the Maigatari Border Free Zone, alongside the general renovation of the Government Guest House in Gumel.”
According to him, the approval reflects the state government’s commitment to strengthening regional economic integration and improving infrastructure capable of supporting trade, investment and other economic activities.
“The renovation of the Maigatari Border Free Zone facilities is intended to improve the effective operation of the zone and create an environment that will support increased commercial activities,” the commissioner said.
Musa explained that the project would help promote cross-border trade between Jigawa and neighbouring countries, particularly the Niger Republic, while also making the state more attractive to local and foreign investors.
He said, “The Maigatari Border Free Zone remains strategically important to Jigawa because of its potential to facilitate regional commerce and position the state as a major gateway for economic activities between Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
“The investment in the border free zone is expected to facilitate regional commerce, attract investment and create opportunities for employment and sustainable economic growth.”
On the Government Guest House in Gumel, the commissioner said the council’s approval for its general renovation was aimed at providing better accommodation and support facilities for government officials and other important visitors, especially in support of the zone’s economic activities and the state at large.
He noted that the renovated guest house would also serve investors, development partners and other stakeholders visiting the area for official engagements, business discussions and investment-related activities.
Musa said the two projects were part of the administration’s broader economic development agenda, particularly its efforts to expand trade opportunities and improve the ease of doing business across Jigawa State.
According to him, improved infrastructure at the Maigatari Border Free Zone would help strengthen the state’s economic connection with neighbouring countries while encouraging greater participation by businesses in regional trade.
The commissioner added that the State Executive Council expected the projects to contribute to job creation, stimulate economic activities and support sustainable growth.
He stressed that the government remained focused on investments that would produce long-term benefits for the people of Jigawa State.
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