RismadarVoice Reporters
July 1, 2026
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on state governments to take greater responsibility for Nigeria’s economic development by harnessing their unique resources and comparative advantages.
Shettima appealed on Wednesday while declaring open the 2026 Jigawa State Economic and Investment Summit (J-INVEST 2026) at the Government House Banquet Hall in Dutse, Jigawa State.
Addressing investors, government officials and development partners, the Vice President said the country’s economic future depends on the ability of each state to unlock its full potential.
“The strength of our federation is measured not by the wealth of the centre alone, but by the awakening of its constituent parts,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s abundant natural and human resources across the states provide every sub-national with an opportunity to achieve sustainable growth.
“Every state must harness its resources, talent and opportunities to achieve growth,” Shettima said, adding that a prosperous federation is built when each state develops its own economic strengths.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the Vice President said the Federal Government’s economic reforms, though difficult, were beginning to yield positive results.
“We are taking difficult but necessary decisions to place our economy on the path of sustainable growth. Those choices have required sacrifice, but they are the right choices,” he stated.
Shettima highlighted several reforms aimed at improving the investment climate, including the Business Facilitation Act, foreign exchange liberalisation and the activities of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), which he said had simplified business registration and reduced regulatory bottlenecks.
He also described the Electricity Act 2023 as a major opportunity for investment, noting that it empowers states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity independently, creating new prospects for private sector participation.
The Vice President commended Jigawa State for its contribution to national wheat production, noting that it accounted for nearly 40 per cent of Nigeria’s wheat output during the last farming season.
Despite the achievement, he stressed the need to improve agricultural productivity, pointing out that Nigeria’s average wheat yield remains below that of countries such as Ethiopia and South Africa.
“Our challenge is clear. We must increase agricultural productivity,” he said.
Shettima assured investors of the Federal Government’s continued support for states that implement business-friendly policies and create enabling environments for private investment.
Earlier, Governor Umar Namadi said the summit was designed to move the state beyond planning to practical implementation of investment opportunities.
He identified agriculture, renewable energy, manufacturing, healthcare and infrastructure as key sectors with strong investment potential.
According to the governor, Jigawa has facilitated 64 investments over the past three years across strategic sectors, demonstrating growing investor confidence in the state.
Namadi also disclosed that more than 76 per cent of the state’s budget is allocated to capital projects aimed at strengthening infrastructure and human development.
“Our choices show that Jigawa is investing in the public foundations on which private capital can build,” he said.
He urged investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in the state, assuring them of government support throughout the investment process.
“We expect this summit to produce tangible outcomes, including investment agreements, project pipelines and financing commitments,” the governor added.
The summit attracted senior government officials, investors, development partners, members of the diplomatic community, former governors and serving and former lawmakers.
