Jigawa’s J-Invest 2026 opens doors to regional investment

Final preparations have been concluded ahead of the opening ceremony of the 2026 Jigawa Investment Summit (J-Invest 2026). The event begins today in Dutse as government officials, investors, business leaders and development partners converge on the state to explore investment opportunities across key economic sectors.

​The summit is expected to serve as a major platform for attracting fresh domestic and foreign investment into agriculture, renewable energy, manufacturing, mining and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The state government aims to position Jigawa as one of Nigeria’s leading investment destinations.

​Strategic focus on tangible outcomes
​Director-General of InvestJigawa Aisha Shehu Mujadadi told BusinessDay that the summit was designed as a strategic investment mobilisation initiative. It aims to convert the state’s economic potential into viable projects and long-term business partnerships. She explained that, unlike conventional investment conferences, J-Invest 2026 will prioritise direct engagement between investors, policymakers and project promoters through dedicated business-to-business meetings and high-level policy discussions.

​According to Mujadadi, the summit will feature a “Deal Room” where private investors can engage directly with businesses and government agencies on commercially viable projects. Plenary sessions will also focus on sectors considered critical to the state’s economic growth. She added that the event would witness the unveiling of key government policies and the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs), which are expected to boost investor confidence and accelerate project implementation.

​”Our objective is to move beyond discussions to concrete outcomes,” Mujadadi said. “The summit has been designed to deliver investment commitments, policy reforms and strategic partnerships that will support industrialisation, job creation and inclusive economic growth.”

​Government commitment to reform
​Mujadadi noted that the expected participation of Nigeria’s Vice President, federal ministers, heads of government agencies, development finance institutions and international development partners underscores the growing confidence in Jigawa’s economic prospects. She disclosed that experts from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, the Rural Electrification Agency, the Bank of Industry and other investment-focused organisations would provide guidance on financing opportunities, regulatory requirements and project bankability.

​”Investors want clarity, credibility and certainty,” she said. “We have assembled the institutions that matter most to provide answers on policy, financing and investment processes, thereby reducing barriers to doing business in Jigawa.”

​Mujadadi expressed confidence that the summit would produce practical recommendations to attract substantial private investment into the state’s priority sectors. She reaffirmed the commitment of the Jigawa State Government to reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, strengthening public-private partnerships and positioning the state as a competitive investment hub.

​”This summit represents our commitment to building a diversified economy driven by private sector investment,” she added. “We believe the partnerships forged here will contribute significantly to sustainable development, employment generation and shared prosperity for the people of Jigawa State.”