Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Saturday highlighted the state’s investment prospects at a high-level Nigeria–South Africa Investment Dialogue held on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.
The forum was organised by the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), MTN South Africa and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa. It also featured the governors of Nasarawa, Kaduna and Plateau States, alongside the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
The dialogue provided a platform for presentations on Nigeria’s investment climate and emerging opportunities across sectors.
In his address, Yahaya outlined Gombe State’s competitive advantages, particularly in agriculture, and emphasised the transformative reforms undertaken by his administration to make the state Nigeria’s leading destination for investment.
He cited strategic improvements in land administration, business registration and revenue systems, as well as the establishment of the Gombe State Investment Promotion Agency and strengthened e-governance structures. According to him, these reforms contributed to Gombe’s ranking as Number One in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) ease of doing business index.
“Through our massive investment in road infrastructure under the ‘Network 11-100’ initiative, we have opened up local communities, enhanced connectivity and reduced travel time,” he said. Yahaya added that investments in energy—covering mini-grids and large-scale power projects—alongside improvements in education and healthcare, have laid a strong foundation for industrial expansion.
The governor showcased two major projects underscoring the state’s readiness for large-scale investment. The first is the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, whose initial phase is already operational and designed to host diverse manufacturing and processing industries. The second is the 182-hectare Special Agro-Livestock Development Zone, an ongoing project that will feature a modern abattoir, international markets for grains, livestock and timber, and an inland dry port along the railway corridor to boost exports.
Yahaya commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold and far-reaching reforms, including the new Electricity Act and economic policies aimed at stabilising foreign exchange and boosting revenue.
He urged global investors to take advantage of the “unparalleled opportunities” in Gombe and across Nigeria, particularly in high-growth sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals and energy.
“Gombe is open for business, and we are ready to partner with you for mutual growth and prosperity,” he said.
