Jigawa State Exco approves health, broadcasting, legal and renewable energy projects

The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved a number of projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, broadcasting infrastructure, the legal framework and renewable energy development in the state.

The decisions were reached at the council’s meeting held on Monday, Sept. 28, and presided over by Gov. Umar Namadi.

The council approved the state Ministry of Health to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaria Consortium under the SARMAAN II Project, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health, with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

According to the council, the project is designed to reduce the burden of malaria through strengthened programme implementation, technical support, capacity development, improved data use and enhanced delivery of malaria interventions to communities and health facilities.

The council also approved contracts worth N1.337 billion for the upgrade and expansion of broadcasting infrastructure across the state, including the supply and installation of a 50KW Harris Digital AM transmitter for Jigawa Radio.

It further approved the supply of radio equipment, including 3KW FM transmitters for five community FM stations, as well as the construction of stations in Gumel, Gwaram, Hadejia, Kazaure and Ringim Local Government Areas.

The council said the projects were aimed at expanding broadcasting coverage and improving transmission quality, reliability and access to timely and credible information across the state.

It also approved the immediate commencement of the 2026 Jigawa State Law Review Project presented by the Ministry of Justice, aimed at reviewing, reforming, consolidating and modernising the laws of the state.

The council approved the establishment of the project secretariat, steering and technical committees, as well as commencement of procurement for equipment and digital resources required for the exercise.

It said the Ministry of Justice would collaborate with the state digital economy agency to provide technical support for the digitalisation, documentation and management of the state’s laws.

The council further approved the expansion of the previously approved Solar Panel Assembly Plant to include a Lithium Battery Energy Storage Assembly Plant.

According to the council, the expansion is expected to create an integrated renewable-energy manufacturing platform, support clean and reliable energy solutions, create employment and provide opportunities for technical training.

It said the expanded project would retain the existing equity structure of 49 per cent for the Jigawa State Government and 51 per cent for TESNI Energy Ltd.

The council said the initiatives were in line with the administration’s 12-Point Agenda and its commitment to strengthening public institutions, improving service delivery, promoting industrial development and creating a sustainable institutional and economic legacy for the state.