Shettima urges states to lead Nigeria’s economic growth

Vice President Kashim Shettima has challenged Nigeria’s sub-nationals to take charge of the country’s economic growth by unlocking their local strengths.

He made the call while delivering his address during the two-day Jigawa State Economic and Investment Summit, J-INVEST 2026, held on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Dutse, the Jigawa State capital,

The VP, who also declared the summit open before a large gathering of investors from across Nigeria and abroad, said the real power of Nigeria’s federation will be seen when every state rises economically.

“The strength of our federation is measured not by the wealth of the centre alone, but by the awakening of its constituent parts,” he stated, stressing further that “Nigeria is richly blessed, with mineral resources spread across almost every state.”

According to him, no state has an excuse not to grow. “Every state must harness its resources, talent, and opportunities to achieve growth,” the VP said.

“A federation truly flourishes because every state discovers what it can become through the full realisation of its own economic potential,” Shettima added, urging governors and investors to think local first.

However, the Vice President delivered President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill message to the summit and noted that “Despite tough times, the federal government’s economic reforms are already producing results.”

He defended the reforms as hard but essential. “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,” Shettima said.

Also, the VP listed key steps already taken to attract investors. He pointed to the Business Facilitation Act and foreign exchange liberalisation, saying both have boosted transparency and confidence in the market.

On PEBEC’s role in cutting red tape, the VP said, “Through the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, we have simplified business registration processes and permits, reducing both the cost and time required to establish and operate businesses in Nigeria.”

On energy, Shettima highlighted the Electricity Act 2023 as a game changer for states. “It empowers states to license, generate, transmit, and distribute electricity,” he said, describing it as a major window for private investment.

Accordingly, the VP praised Jigawa for its wheat output, noting that the state produced nearly 40 per cent of Nigeria’s wheat in the last farming season and warned that “Nigeria must do more on productivity.”

He therefore compared Nigeria’s average wheat yield of 1.5 metric tonnes per hectare with higher figures in Ethiopia and South Africa. “Our challenge, therefore, is very clear. We must increase agricultural productivity,” he added.

The VP assured investors of federal backing, saying that “Abuja will keep supporting states that improve the ease of doing business and create friendly conditions for private capital.”

Earlier, Governor Umar Namadi told the gathering that Jigawa is ready to turn talk into action. “This Summit is designed as a working platform to move us beyond aspiration to disciplined execution,” he said.

Namadi said the state has clear advantages for investors and listed agriculture, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and infrastructure as priority areas with strong potential.

The governor explained that investors are already showing trust in Jigawa. “We have facilitated 64 investments in the past three years across key sectors. These are proof that investors are finding a home in Jigawa,” he disclosed.

According to him, more than 76 per cent of the Jigawa state budget is for capital projects, with heavy funding for economic and human development.

“Our choices show that Jigawa is investing in the public foundations on which private capital can build,” Namadi stated, linking roads, health, and skills to investor success.

Moreover, the governor made a direct pitch to the business community. “Bring serious ideas to Jigawa, and you will find a government ready to engage, facilitate and follow through,” he said.

He emphasised that the summit is not just for speeches, adding that “We expect real deals to come out of it, including investment agreements, project pipelines, and financing commitments.”

Namadi said he is optimistic about the summit’s impact and expressed confidence that it will drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods across Jigawa.

Our correspondent reports that the event drew top federal and state officials, investors, development partners, and members of the diplomatic corps. Four former governors and several current and ex-lawmakers also attended.