Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged state governments to unlock their economic potential to drive Nigeria’s growth, saying the country’s prosperity depends on the progress of its constituent states.
Shettima made the call while opening the Jigawa State Economic and Investment Summit (J-INVEST 2026) in Dutse.
“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 sustainable economic 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 vice president conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill and said the Nigerian Government’s economic reforms are beginning to yield results despite the challenges encountered.
“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 said reforms, including the Business Facilitation Act and foreign exchange liberalisation, have improved transparency and strengthened investor confidence.
He also highlighted the Electricity Act 2023, which empowers states to license, generate, transmit and distribute electricity, describing it as a major opportunity to attract investment.
“It empowers states to license, generate, transmit, and distribute electricity,” he said.
On agriculture, the vice president commended Jigawa State for producing nearly 40 per cent of Nigeria’s wheat output during the last farming season.
“That is no ordinary achievement,” he said.
However, he stressed the need to improve productivity, noting that Nigeria’s average wheat yield of 1.5 metric tonnes per hectare remains below the levels recorded 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 was designed to convert the state’s economic potential into tangible investment opportunities.
“This Summit is designed as a working platform to move us beyond aspiration to disciplined execution,” he said.
Namadi said Jigawa offers investment opportunities in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, healthcare and infrastructure.
He disclosed that the state had facilitated 64 investments across key sectors over the past three years.
“These are proof that investors are finding a home in Jigawa,” he said.
The governor also revealed that more than 76 per cent of the state’s 2026 budget is allocated to capital projects, with significant funding directed towards economic and human development.
“Our choices show that Jigawa is investing in the public foundations on which private capital can build,” he stated.
Namadi encouraged investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in the state.
“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 deliver investment agreements, project pipelines and financing commitments.
The event attracted senior government officials, investors, development partners and members of the diplomatic community, with participants expressing optimism that the summit would stimulate economic growth, create jobs and improve livelihoods in Jigawa State.