The Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Jigawa State has called on the state government to expedite the distribution of agricultural machinery and motorcycles procured for farmers and extension workers, warning that further delays could undermine efforts to improve food production across the state.

In a statement issued in Dutse, the partnership said the timely deployment of the equipment is crucial for maximizing agricultural output during the current farming season and ensuring that public investments deliver tangible benefits to residents.

OGP Calls for Swift Action

Speaking on behalf of the organization, OGP Co-Chair and Non-State Actors Representative, Isah Mustapha, urged the government to release the machinery without delay so farmers can fully utilize the rainy season for cultivation.

According to the group, access to modern farming equipment will help reduce dependence on manual labor, improve productivity, and support the state’s broader agricultural mechanization agenda.

The partnership emphasized that the equipment was purchased using public funds and should be put into service as quickly as possible to strengthen food security and agricultural development.

Government Commended for Increased Agricultural Investment

Despite expressing concerns over the delay, the OGP praised Governor Umar Namadi’s administration for prioritizing agriculture through increased budgetary allocations and strategic reforms.

The group noted that agricultural funding in Jigawa has risen significantly in recent years, increasing from below five percent to between 10 and 12 percent of the state’s annual budget.

It also welcomed the establishment of additional institutions focused on agriculture and livestock development, describing the move as a positive step toward strengthening one of the state’s most important economic sectors.

Concerns Over Idle Agricultural Assets

The OGP highlighted the government’s substantial investment in modern agricultural machinery and the creation of mechanization centers across all 30 constituencies in the state.

However, it expressed concern that the equipment remains undistributed despite widespread public anticipation and the heavy dependence of Jigawa residents on agriculture for their livelihoods.

The organization warned that prolonged storage could expose the machinery to adverse weather conditions, potentially leading to deterioration and reducing the overall value of the investment.

While acknowledging that administrative processes may have contributed to the delay, the group stressed that urgent measures are needed to protect the assets and ensure they reach intended beneficiaries.

Extension Workers Await Motorcycles

The partnership also commended the recruitment of more than 900 agricultural extension workers under the J-AGRO programme, describing the initiative as a major investment in agricultural support services.

According to the OGP, extension officers play a critical role in helping farmers adopt modern farming methods, improve yields, and address production challenges.

However, it noted that motorcycles procured for the extension personnel have reportedly remained in storage for nearly a year, limiting the effectiveness of the programme.

The group warned that continued delays could result in damage to the motorcycles and create additional maintenance costs, ultimately reducing the value of public spending.

Call to Accelerate Agricultural Transformation

The OGP urged the Jigawa State Government to immediately distribute both the agricultural machinery and motorcycles to ensure farmers and extension workers can benefit from the investments.

It maintained that timely deployment of the assets would help lower production costs, improve efficiency, increase food production, and accelerate agricultural transformation across the state.