EDITOR .
The Gumel Emirate Foundation has urged the Jigawa State government to expand and upgrade the Maigatari–Gumel road into a Trunk A dual carriageway to accommodate rising commercial traffic around the Export Processing Zone Market corridor.
EPZ revival hailed as milestone
Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Ahmed, Dan-Amar of Gumel, made the appeal in a press release on Friday, 20th June 2026. He commended Governor Malam Umar Namadi for reviving the Maigatari EPZ project, which had remained dormant for over two decades. Ahmed described the project as a landmark achievement and a milestone in Jigawa’s economic development that signals a new era of industrial growth and shared prosperity.
Investor interest grows
The Dan-Amar said Governor Namadi’s visionary leadership and commitment to economic transformation, through the EPZ revitalisation and business-friendly policies supported by critical infrastructure, have positioned Maigatari and its environs as emerging hubs for trade, commerce and industry. He noted that the engagement of foreign investors, including a consortium of Chinese-backed companies, is expected to attract substantial investment, stimulate production, expand exports and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Community pledges support
Ahmed said the people of Gumel Emirate pledge full support and cooperation to the government, investors and all stakeholders to ensure the security, sustainability and long-term success of the project. He added that the Emirate remains committed to fostering a peaceful and stable environment for businesses to thrive.
Appreciation to Governor Namadi
The Foundation chairman expressed sincere appreciation to Governor Namadi for the bold intervention and said the Emirate looks forward to the lasting prosperity the project will bring to Gumel, Jigawa State and beyond.
Free dialysis centre acknowledged
In another development, the Foundation acknowledged the state government’s establishment of a Free Dialysis Centre at Gumel General Hospital. Ahmed said the initiative demonstrates the governor’s people-oriented administration and determination to make quality healthcare accessible, especially to vulnerable and economically disadvantaged citizens.
Impact on kidney patients
He noted that kidney disease is costly to manage and dialysis is often out of reach for many patients. By offering free services, the government has eased financial burdens and restored hope and dignity to those battling chronic kidney ailments. Since services began in January 2026, 53 patients have benefited from the centre and 383 dialysis sessions have been conducted, underscoring its critical impact on public health.
Call for solar power
Ahmed further urged the Jigawa State government to install a solar power system at the dialysis centre to ensure uninterrupted service delivery and reduce operational costs. He said this would enable the facility to better fulfill its mandate to the people of the state.
