President Bola Tinubu Wednesday officially declared open the Taraba International Investment Summit 2025, reaffirming the federal Government’s commitment to positioning the state as a key investment destination.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the country cannot live on raw produce and unprocessed minerals, but needs factories to add value, clusters to drive innovation, and industrial parks to turn ideas into impact.
“We know that our growing population is a cry for an industrial solution. But above all, we need visionaries. We need those who see beyond the narrow confines of trade and into the transformative possibilities of industry.
“We need people like Aliko Dangote. We need people like Tony Elumelu. The trajectory of global growth is facing Africa, and Nigeria will make or mar that transition,” he added.
Tinubu said that with the projection that Nigeria will be the third most populous nation on earth by 2050, the increase would become a demographic disaster if not well-harnessed.
“Our population will hit 440 million people. And what are you going to do with the anticipated population bulge? We can turn the anticipated bulge into demographic dividends, or it will be the demographic disaster that will consume all of us.
“I believe we have the men, the resources, and the capabilities to transform our young population into engines of growth. The whole of Europe is aging. Even the Asian tigers are aging; China is aging,” he said.
He said that Nigeria’s could harness its young and virile population amid the global talent deficit.
The President said, “The highest we have ever earned from the process of oil was $35 billion in 2011 under former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. From outsourcing alone, India generated $120 billion last year. So the opportunities abound.
“There are more English speakers in Nigeria than in India, and with all due respect, the intonation, I believe, most of the Western audiences here could get what I was talking about.
“The intonation of the Nigerian English, with all due respect, is superior to the Indian variety. Am I not right? And our proximity to Europe is an added advantage.
“So I wish to call on all of us: irrespective of differences in political affiliations, religious persuasion, tribal or sectional background, let us fuse into one, because poverty knows no ethnicity, no religion, or no tribe. Let us unite as a people.”
He noted that the summit was significant because Taraba offers Nigeria a strategic contribution to the nation’s shared prosperity, more than its breathtaking mountains and other side attractions.
He said, “Each part of Nigeria is a gift to the other. Each complements the other so profoundly that the deficiency of one region is often redeemed by the sufficiency of the other.
“Our ultimate awakening as a nation begins with this realisation that no part of this country can thrive in isolation. That is why we are here; that is why this summit matters.”
Tinubu said the world was experiencing a new wave of industrial revolution, a situation he said calls for an increase in the scale of Nigeria’s productivity to reflect the magnitude of its population.
“It demands that our farmers transition from the use of horses and cutlasses to tractors and harvestors. It demands that our energy suppliers move beyond power and household to energising large-scale industries.
“Our mining sector must also evolve to meet global demands and standards. This is how we compete with the rest of the world. This is how we stay relevant,” he added.
He, however, said the reforms undertaken by the Federal Government were not arbitrary but deliberate steps to build an economy where enterprise thrives, “while the competence of investors is not a gamble but a guarantee”.
The President added, “What we seek are collaborators, partners in progress. The government is fully committed to supporting every step you take after this gathering. We are not distant observers. We are here with you, ready to provide the institutional backing to turn ideas into accomplishments.”
In his address, the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas expressed excitement about the opportunity to showcase the State’s potential to the world.
He highlighted the state’s key attractions, including; peace and security, human and natural resources, business enabling environment and Infrastructure Development, even as he noted the rehabilitated airport, recently commissioned, will continue to serve as a gateway to the state capital.
Dr Kafas said his administration’s primary objective was to attract investors to Taraba State, emphasizing that the state’s environment is ready for ease of business, and investors’ businesses are guaranteed.
The Governor expressed gratitude to the President and Vice President for their endorsement of Taraba State’s safety and investment potential and said the State International Investment Summit aims to position the state as a prime investment destination, fostering economic growth and development.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu OON, expressed delight in welcoming distinguished guests, top government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and investors from across the world.
He said the summit, themed “Unlocking Taraba’s Investment Potentials- Advancing Agriculture, Energy, Mining, and Industrialization (AEMI) for Sustainable Growth and Development,” aims to harness and transform the state’s abundant natural resources into economic wealth.
Elumelu highlighted the state’s abundant investment opportunities, friendly business environment, and security measures, which he noted have made Taraba State a rewarding investment paradise.
“The summit promises a robust Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) matchmaking interactions, with expectations of signing strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and sealing mutually beneficial investment deals.
“The Organizing Committee proposes that the essence and gains of TARAVEST 2025 should be sustained and transitioned into viable business, economic, and commercial decisions that would firmly establish Taraba State as a global investment hub,” Elumelu said
He expressed gratitude to Governor Agbu Kefas for entrusting the Main and Local Organizing Committee with the responsibility of hosting the summit. He also appreciated the committee members for their dedication, loyalty, and commitment towards the success of the summit.
The Taraba State International Investment Summit is expected to be a landmark event, showcasing the state’s vast investment potential and opportunities, and positioning it as a prime destination for investors.
Top investors including Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, the former vice President Atiku Abubaker and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III were in attendance at the summit.
