Governor Radda Economic Strategy Attracts N489.4 Billion in Private-Sector Investment at the 2025 Summit

..Katsina is building the future economy through strategic reforms, investor confidence, and sustainable partnerships — Gov. Radda

Katsina State has secured over ₦489.4 billion in private-sector investment commitments at the 2025 Economic and Investment Summit, a landmark gathering held under the theme “Building Your Future Economy.” The summit brought together investors, policymakers, business executives, and development partners to explore emerging opportunities under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s transformational economic agenda.

Speaking during a fireside chat, Governor Radda reaffirmed Katsina’s rising profile as one of Nigeria’s fastest-emerging investment destinations. He explained that the state has now put in place strong security frameworks and sweeping economic reforms designed to attract and retain credible investors. According to him, Katsina no longer begs for investment; instead, it now presents a secure, transparent, innovation-driven, and politically supported environment for sustainable growth.

Addressing longstanding concerns about security, particularly in rural communities and agricultural zones, the Governor recalled that his administration inherited widespread insecurity, with 24 local governments under insurgent pressure when he assumed office. To address this, the government introduced a locally driven, community-based security model that has significantly strengthened public safety.

A key part of this strategy is the establishment of the Katsina State Community Watch Group, which has trained and deployed over 2,500 young men to support formal security agencies. The Governor also highlighted the creation of Village and District Security Committees, comprising 9,747 community members, who provide real-time intelligence and work closely with conventional security formations.

Governor Radda further noted that improved collaboration between community structures and security agencies—enhanced through allowances, operational logistics, and strengthened coordination—has drastically reduced insecurity across the state. He cited the reopening of previously closed markets such as Sheme Market, Yantumaki Market, and Danmusa Market, many of which had been shut for more than six years, as clear evidence of renewed peace.

He added that farmers across the state recorded a bumper harvest last year, while irrigation activities and pastoral movements have resumed even in areas once considered volatile. The administration has also introduced seasonal security deployments to protect farmers during planting and harvesting periods. “My message to investors is simple,” he said. “We have created a fertile and secure ground for your investments. Katsina is ready for you.”

Governor Radda also outlined wide-ranging institutional and administrative reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business. These include the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) for efficient financial management; the establishment of the Katsina State Directorate of ICT to strengthen digital governance; and the launch of SPIME, the Strategic Policy Monitoring and Evaluation Unit.

In addition, the government created the Public Service Administration Reform Department to streamline processes and reduce bureaucratic delays, while strengthening KASEDA to better support MSMEs. The rollout of KATGIS, a modern Geographic Information System, has further enhanced land administration and transparency.

To ease business operations for investors and citizens, Katsina launched a digital one-stop shop for business registration and regulatory compliance. The government also unveiled the Sustainable Agricultural Development Platform—commissioned by the Vice President—to improve food production and coordination across the state.

Furthermore, farm mechanization centers have been set up in all 34 local government areas, enabling farmers to request tractors and other machinery directly through digital platforms.

The Governor emphasized that these reforms are backed by policies and bills already before the State Assembly to ensure long-term sustainability and institutional continuity.

Speaking on international development partnerships, Governor Radda disclosed that Katsina is strategically engaging global institutions to attract investment and development finance. He referenced the creation of the Katsina State Development Management Board (KSDMB)—the first of its kind among Nigeria’s subnationals—to coordinate international partnerships and ensure unified oversight of development initiatives.

He highlighted the state’s strong performance across several World Bank–supported projects, including AGILE, TESS, and RAAMP. He also pointed to the expanding partnership with the UNDP, which facilitated the construction of 152 houses for internally displaced persons in Jibia.

Other notable global collaborations include a partnership with the World Relief Agency in Michigan, USA, which donated ten containers of medical equipment worth $10 million; and another partnership with Pure Life Medical Equipment, with an additional ten containers of medical supplies currently en route. A U.S.-based educational partnership has also delivered ten containers of learning materials, two of which have already arrived.

The Governor also celebrated the successful expansion of the Nigeria for Women Project, which was scaled up from three LGAs to all 34 LGAs through an additional ₦4 billion commitment by the state government.

In the energy sector, Governor Radda announced ongoing work on a 1-megawatt hydroelectric power plant in Danja, reaffirming Katsina’s commitment to clean, sustainable energy that supports industry and rural livelihoods.

He added that just last week, Katsina signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Border Security Agency of Belarus to strengthen ongoing security reforms and enhance the state’s security architecture.

“We refuse to fall behind. We will not remain at the back,” the Governor declared. He emphasized that his administration’s ambition is straightforward: whenever the spotlight shines on Nigeria, Katsina must stand visibly—advancing, competitive, and outstanding.

Governor Radda assured investors of the state’s sincerity, readiness, and unwavering political will to partner with them. “Your investments will not only yield profit; they will build factories, create jobs, power clinics, support schools, and transform lives,” he said.

He reaffirmed that Katsina has long been a centre of scholarship, trade, and intellectual excellence—home to distinguished figures in politics, business, academia, and Islamic scholarship—and that his administration is committed to preserving and elevating this legacy.

Governor Radda concluded by emphasizing that all economic reforms are anchored on human development. “Our investments must be people-centered,” he said. “We are building an economy that empowers young people, supports women-led enterprises, strengthens families, and restores dignity.” He once again assured investors that Katsina offers sincerity, collaboration, and a government ready to co-create sustainable solutions.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Director-General of the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA), Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur Jikamshi, expressed deep appreciation to all attendees. He described the summit as “a defining moment” in Katsina’s journey toward competitiveness, transformation, and private-sector-driven growth.

Delivering the keynote address, elder statesman and former Vision 2010 Committee member, Senator Ibrahim Ida, observed that Nigeria’s greatest development challenge has long been the existence of excellent plans without implementation. He recalled how the highly praised Vision 2010 report failed due to political inconsistency, weak institutions, and short-term politics.

He noted that “development requires long-term commitment and stable policies,” and commended Governor Radda for demonstrating the courage and direction needed to break this national pattern.

Senator Ida praised the summit for ushering in a new era of implementation-driven development and insisted that private-sector investment must now lead Katsina’s economic transformation.

He outlined the state’s major strategic advantages — its border location, trade links with Niger Republic, youthful population, rich natural resources, agricultural strength, and emerging renewable-energy potential — describing them as powerful magnets for serious investors.

He identified three essential pathways to sustainable development: economic diversification driven by private-sector industries; human capital development through better education, skills, and healthcare; and strong security and stability to boost both rural and urban productivity.

On insecurity, he stressed that military action alone cannot solve the problem and called for community-led approaches built on intelligence, early warning systems, conflict resolution, and youth engagement. He urged government to deepen PPPs, strengthen SMEs, improve regulatory transparency, and remove barriers to business operations.

“Katsina stands at a historic turning point. With unity of purpose and wise choices, the state can build a future that is innovative, secure, and inclusive,” he said.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Alhaji Dikko Ladan, Chairman of Dar Alhalal; Abubakar Ibrahim Danmusa, Chairman of CONSTRIX and Estate; as well as representatives of the Nigerian Agricultural Development Fund and PwC, among other who all expressed appreciation to the state government.

During the summit, the state has signed MoUs with the Abils Group, Dar Alhalal, Global Innovation Laboratory, among other notable partners.

And those who have invested in Katsina State were the Darma Rice Mill and Gobarau Agro Allied Companies, Equatorial Marine Oil and Gas Company Limited (EMOG), Boko Fertilizer Nigeria Limited, among notable others.

The summit was attended by the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Tanko Sununu; Business Moguls Dahiru barau mangal; Dr Umar mutallab; the Alhaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa; Kaduna State Governor, represented by the Senior Adviser on Economic Matters, Ahmad Shehu Haruna; the Yobe State Governor’s representative, Kaigama Umar, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism; members of the Katsina State Executive Council, among others.