The Jigawa government has approved scheduled commercial flights between Dutse and Abuja in partnership with Rano Air.
Mr. Sagir Musa, Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, disclosed that the State Executive Council adopted the report of a committee chaired by the deputy governor and approved a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Rano Air for immediate commencement of Dutse Abuja commercial flight operations.
The commissioner said that the new service would ease travel for investors, business executives, development partners and residents moving between Jigawa and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
“This is an economic connectivity project designed to attract investment, expand business opportunities and integrate Jigawa more effectively into the national economy,” he said.
Musa highlighted that the partnership would stimulate commerce, tourism, hospitality services and other sectors linked to air transportation while strengthening the economic potential of the Dutse International Airport.
He said that the council also approved a N5.5 billion multi-sector package for education, water supply and strategic infrastructure development projects. From the lot, N1.157 billion is for infrastructure development at Government Science and Technical College, Auyo, to complement the transport initiative.
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The commissioner said that the project was designed to provide a modern learning environment for technical and vocational education and strengthen practical skills acquisition for students preparing for the modern workforce.
Musa said that the SEC also approved N2.771 billion for the construction of a new Emir’s Palace in Dutse.
He said that the project would strengthen traditional institutions, preserve cultural heritage and support community development, promote peaceful coexistence and conflict prevention.
“The council also approved Jigawa’s hosting of the 41st National Qur’anic Recitation Competition scheduled for Nov. 14 to Nov. 30, 2026.
“The event is expected to attract participants from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with anticipated gains in religious tourism, hospitality patronage and other socio-economic activities, he said.
On higher education, Musa said that the council approved the sponsorship of 92 lecturers from state-owned tertiary institutions for postgraduate studies at the Integral University, Lucknow, India.
He said that the scholarship would cover tuition fees, living allowances and other statutory requirements for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Musa said that the beneficiaries were expected to serve the state for five years after completing their studies, to apply the acquired knowledge within Jigawa’s tertiary education system.
He said that the council further approved N285 million for the procurement and installation of new generators for major water supply stations in Birnin Kudu, Hadejia and Kazaure.
“The investment is intended to ensure uninterrupted operation of the facilities and improve access to potable water in the affected communities.”
Musa said that the combined approvals reflected a coordinated strategy linking transportation, education, traditional institutions and essential public services.
“Improved connectivity, stronger technical education, reliable water supply and sustained investment in human capital are mutually reinforcing pillars for long-term economic growth and improved quality of life,” he added.
NAN
