States must unlock economic potential to drive Nigeria’s growth – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on state governments across Nigeria to harness their unique resources and comparative advantages to accelerate economic growth and national development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Jigawa State Economic and Investment Summit (J-INVEST 2026) in Dutse, the Vice President emphasised that the strength of Nigeria’s federation depends largely on the economic prosperity of its constituent states rather than the Federal Government alone.

According to Shettima, a thriving federation is built on the ability of each state to identify and maximise its economic opportunities, noting that sustainable national growth can only be achieved when states fully realise their individual potentials.

The Vice President, who conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill message to participants, acknowledged that the Federal Government’s economic reforms have involved difficult decisions but maintained that such measures are necessary to place the country on a path of sustainable growth and development.

He highlighted key reforms introduced by the administration, including the Business Facilitation Act and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, which he said have improved transparency and boosted investor confidence.

Shettima also described the Electricity Act 2023 as a significant opportunity for states to attract investment, noting that the legislation empowers states to generate, transmit, licence, and distribute electricity independently.

On agriculture, the Vice President commended Jigawa State for its remarkable contribution to wheat production, revealing that the state accounted for nearly 40 per cent of Nigeria’s wheat output during the last farming season. However, he stressed the need to increase agricultural productivity, observing that Nigeria’s average wheat yield remains below that of several African countries.

Earlier, Governor Umar Namadi said the summit was designed to transform Jigawa’s economic potential into tangible investment outcomes through deliberate planning and effective implementation.

The governor stated that Jigawa offers significant investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and infrastructure.

He disclosed that the state had facilitated 64 investments over the past three years across various sectors, demonstrating growing investor confidence in Jigawa.

He assured prospective investors of the state’s commitment to providing a conducive business environment and urged them to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available in Jigawa.

States must unlock economic potential to drive Nigeria’s growth – Shettima