Duste, Nigeia – 18 August 2025. The Jigawa State Executive Council, presided over by His Excellency Governor Umar Namadi, convened at the State Government House to deliberate on innovative solutions to address the persistent financing constraints facing smallholder agriculture in the state and across Nigeria.
The meeting, facilitated by Propcom+ Strategy Director, Dr. Olumide Ojo, featured a technical presentation on the design of a sub-national, non-ISPO-based de-risking mechanism aimed at unlocking private sector financing for agriculture.
Key Discussion Points included:
- Financing Constraints: The council acknowledged the deep-seated financing challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Jigawa State.
- Tripartite Partnership: Jigawa State Government, the Nigeria Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), and Propcom+ resolved to partner in developing a sustainable financing mechanism.
- Proposed Solution: Stakeholders considered the design and implementation of an innovative sub-national financing model, leveraging IGR-linked escrow accounts and Fiscal Commitment/Contingent Liability (FCCL) frameworks to de-risk private sector investment.
Reactions from the Council
While the initiative was welcomed, council members sought clarity on feasibility, operational modalities, and the roles of different partners in managing the escrow account. The Commissioner for Planning and Budget and the Principal Private Secretary also highlighted the potential of the proposed framework.
Governor Namadi in his remarks, however, reinforced his support for the programme, providing the necessary political backing and calling for continued engagement to deepen understanding among all stakeholders.
Next StepsThe Council resolved to:
- Broaden the Technical Working Group/State Implementation Committee to include key MDAs such as the Ministries of Justice, Finance, Agriculture, Livestock Development, Planning and Budget, InvestJigawa, and the Principal Private Secretary.
- Convene a high-level sensitization session to onboard new committee members and strengthen technical understanding of the proposed mechanism.
- Continue technical follow-up and mentoring with the lead agency, supported by Propcom+, to guide the development of legal, operational, and governance frameworks.
- Develop a concrete workplan to drive implementation and ensure accountability.
Significance
This partnership signals a strong commitment by the Jigawa State Government to champion innovative financing models that can unlock private sector participation in agriculture. By addressing systemic financing barriers, the programme aims to create an enabling environment for smallholder farmers to access resources, improve productivity, and contribute to food security and economic growth.
