Taraba’s Economic Future Brightens as Dangote and Elumelu Pledge Fresh Investments

At the Taraba International Investment Summit (Taravest) in Jalingo, Nigeria’s top industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote and business leader Tony Elumelu pledged to increase investments in Taraba State, citing its rich agricultural and energy potentials.

Dangote highlighted the need to prioritize domestic investments to attract foreign capital, stating, “Foreign investors will only come when they see that local investors are thriving. The government must encourage domestic investments first.”

Tony Elumelu, founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and chairman of Transcorp Group, affirmed, “We are ready to invest in Taraba through Transcorp and the Tony Elumelu Foundation. UBA will also continue to expand its footprint and financial services across Africa.” He emphasized agriculture’s role in food security and job creation: “Investment helps to create jobs, curb unemployment, improve security, and empower people.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, described Taraba as the “agricultural powerhouse of Nigeria,” highlighting its untapped hydroelectric potential, especially the Mambila Dam. He stressed the urgency of aggressive industrialization to meet Nigeria’s growing population demands.

Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State, on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, underscored Taraba’s agricultural comparative advantage and the importance of strategic investments.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended Governor Agbu Kefas for maintaining peace, stating, “Bringing the world to Taraba is no small feat. The security gains made under your administration must be protected to sustain investor confidence.” He also called for urgent power sector investments to foster industrial growth.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar compared the current investment drive to Nigeria’s post-1999 economic rebuilding, urging the governor to leverage the private sector and prioritize infrastructure, education, and health.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, encouraged the governor to capitalize on Taraba’s strengths by focusing on real investments in agriculture, tourism, and other critical sectors.

This summit marks a significant milestone in Taraba’s journey toward becoming a dynamic economic hub through cooperative efforts between government and private investors.