Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria’s economic recovery will be driven not only by the Federal Government but also by states that effectively harness their economic potential to attract investments, create jobs and expand productivity.
Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of the Second Jigawa State Economic and Investment Summit (J-INVEST 2026) in Dutse, Shettima said the strength of the Nigerian federation lies in the ability of individual states to unlock their comparative advantages and transform them into sustainable prosperity.
He conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting sub-national governments pursuing economic reforms and investment-led development.
According to the Vice President, the Federal Government has implemented difficult but necessary economic reforms aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and improving the country’s investment climate.
He said reforms such as the Business Facilitation Act, foreign exchange market liberalisation and measures to improve fiscal transparency had reduced bottlenecks for investors and strengthened confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
Shettima also highlighted the Electricity Act 2023, noting that it empowers states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity while creating new opportunities for private sector participation in power infrastructure.
He said the administration had shifted from debt-driven growth to partnerships with the private sector, with increased investments in infrastructure, agriculture, human capital development and social protection.
Commending Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State, for prioritising agriculture and investment, Shettima described the state as one of Nigeria’s emerging economic hubs with enormous opportunities in agribusiness, renewable energy and manufacturing.
He noted that Jigawa accounts for about 17 per cent of Nigeria’s wheat production and remains one of the country’s leading producers of sesame seeds, adding that the state’s fertile land offers vast opportunities for local and foreign investors.
The Vice President urged greater investment in improved seeds, fertiliser, mechanisation and modern farming practices to boost crop yields and strengthen Nigeria’s food security.
He also praised Jigawa’s renewable energy initiatives, saying the state’s abundant sunshine positions it to become a major player in green energy development on the African continent.
Shettima appealed to the Ambassador of Qatar to facilitate investments from the Gulf nation into Jigawa, particularly in agriculture and agro-processing, noting that stronger partnerships could create jobs and expand export opportunities.
He assured investors that the Federal Government would continue to support states committed to improving the ease of doing business and creating an enabling environment for private investment.
The summit drew investors, development partners, business leaders, government officials, diplomats and traditional rulers from across the country to explore investment opportunities in Jigawa State.
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