Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, ahead of the 2026 Jigawa Investment Summit, where he is expected to formally declare the two-day event open as the Special Guest of Honour.
The summit, scheduled to hold from July 1 to July 2, is designed to showcase Jigawa State’s investment potential and attract local and foreign investors across key sectors of the economy. This year’s edition is themed “Unlocking Opportunities: Driving Sustainable Growth for a Better Jigawa.”
Shettima arrived on Wednesday at the Nuhu Muhammad Sunusi International Airport in Dutse, where he was received by Governor Umar Namadi, Deputy Governor Aminu Gumel, and the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Garo.
Also present to welcome the Vice President were the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, members of the Jigawa State Executive Council, senior government officials, traditional leaders, and other dignitaries who gathered at the airport ahead of the commencement of the summit.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Vice President will officially inaugurate the investment summit, which is expected to bring together policymakers, investors, development partners, business leaders, financial institutions, and captains of industry to discuss strategies for accelerating economic development in Jigawa State.
The summit is expected to focus on creating an enabling environment for investment while promoting sustainable economic growth through strategic partnerships between the government and the private sector.
Organisers say the event will provide a platform to highlight the state’s comparative advantages in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, renewable energy, infrastructure, commerce, education, healthcare, and technology.
As one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural states, Jigawa is expected to use the summit to showcase opportunities in agribusiness, irrigation farming, food processing, livestock production, and value-chain development. Investors will also be presented with incentives aimed at encouraging investment in industrialisation and job creation.
Governor Umar Namadi’s administration has consistently expressed its commitment to diversifying the state’s economy by attracting investments capable of boosting internally generated revenue, creating employment opportunities for young people, and improving the overall standard of living of residents.
The state government has undertaken several reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, expanding infrastructure, and strengthening collaboration with development agencies and the private sector.
The presence of Vice President Shettima underscores the Federal Government’s support for sub-national initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth and attracting investment across Nigeria.
Since assuming office, the Tinubu administration has repeatedly encouraged state governments to harness their unique economic strengths, reduce dependence on federal allocations, and pursue investment-driven development strategies.
Analysts believe investment summits such as the one being hosted by Jigawa State provide an important avenue for governments to engage directly with potential investors, present bankable projects, and secure partnerships that can drive industrialisation and inclusive economic growth.
The summit is expected to feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, investment presentations, exhibitions, business networking sessions, and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the state government and prospective investors.
Participants are also expected to deliberate on policies that will improve the investment climate, strengthen public-private partnerships, promote innovation, and enhance sustainable development across various sectors.
Government officials have expressed optimism that the summit will yield tangible investment commitments capable of transforming the state’s economy, expanding employment opportunities, and positioning Jigawa as a preferred investment destination in northern Nigeria.
With Vice President Shettima set to officially declare the summit open, expectations are high that the gathering will reinforce confidence in Jigawa’s economic prospects while advancing efforts to unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.
