Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged states to drive Nigeria’s economic growth by unlocking their local potential.
Shettima spoke at the opening of the Jigawa State Economic and Investment Summit (J-INVEST 2026) in Dutse, saying the strength of the federation depends on the economic progress of its states, not only the centre.
“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.
He added that every state must harness its resources, talent, and opportunities to achieve growth.
“A federation truly flourishes because every state discovers what it can become through the full realisation of its own economic potential,” he stated.
The former Borno governor conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu and said ongoing economic reforms are beginning to show results despite the challenges faced.
“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 said.
Shettima noted that reforms such as the Business Facilitation Act and foreign exchange liberalisation have improved transparency and investor confidence.
He also highlighted the Electricity Act 2023, which allows states to generate and distribute power, describing it as a major opportunity for investment.
“It empowers states to license, generate, transmit, and distribute electricity,” he said.
On agriculture, the vice president praised Jigawa State for its contribution to wheat production, noting that the state accounted for nearly 40 per cent of Nigeria’s output in the last season.
“That is no ordinary achievement,” he said.
However, he stressed the need to improve productivity, citing Nigeria’s average wheat yield of 1.5 metric tonnes per hectare compared to higher yields in countries such as Ethiopia and South Africa.
“Our challenge, therefore, is very clear. We must increase agricultural productivity,” he added.
In his address, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi said the summit aims to move the state from potential to real investment outcomes.
“This Summit is designed as a working platform to move us beyond aspiration to disciplined execution,” he said.
Namadi said Jigawa offers strong investment opportunities across agriculture, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and infrastructure.
He disclosed that the state has facilitated 64 investments in the past three years across key sectors.
“These are proof that investors are finding a home in Jigawa,” he said.
The governor also revealed that the state’s 2026 budget allocates over 76 per cent to capital projects, with significant funding directed to economic and human development sectors.
“Our choices show that Jigawa is investing in the public foundations on which private capital can build,” he stated.
Namadi called on investors to take advantage of the opportunities presented at the summit.
“Bring serious ideas to Jigawa, and you will find a government ready to engage, facilitate and follow through,” he said.
He added that the summit is expected to produce concrete outcomes such as investment agreements, project pipelines, and financing commitments.
The event attracted top government officials, investors, development partners, and members of the diplomatic community.
Both leaders expressed optimism that the summit will drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods in Jigawa State.
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