Kaura Gwandu’s Investment Initiative to Boost Kebbi’s Economy
By Yahaya Sarki
We should be grateful to God for sparing our lives to witness Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, even though it is low-key. In Kebbi State, we also thank Almighty Allah for blessing us with a visionary and charismatic leader, Governor Nasir Idris, whose mission is to drive the state’s rapid development. It is important to highlight his efforts in attracting investment and promoting small and medium businesses.
The establishment of the Kebbi Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA) by Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu,is a strategic move aimed at boosting investments and fostering economic growth in Kebbi State. Recognizing the pivotal role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in driving economic development, the administration has made it a priority to remove barriers hindering business activities, such as multiple taxation, and to facilitate access to financial support, grants, and loans. These efforts are designed to ensure the sustainability of SMEs in the state.
The creation of KIPA last year was a key part of the Governor’s strategy to attract both domestic and international investments. By cultivating a favorable business environment and streamlining the ease of doing business, the agency is positioned to strengthen Kebbi’s economy. Recognizing the challenges SMEs face in accessing credit, Governor Idris has tasked KIPA with collaborating with banks and financial institutions to address these barriers, acknowledging SMEs as key drivers of local investment.
At a recent forum on access to credit for micro, small, and medium-scale entrepreneurs held in Birnin Kebbi, KIPA convened participants, including business leaders, bankers, microfinance institutions, investors, and financial experts. Kebbi State’s Acting Head of Service, Hajiya Aishatu Usman, underscored the critical role SMEs play in fostering innovation, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.
“The Kebbi State Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” she said. “KIPA was established to promote investment, enhance economic development, and support business enterprises. We recognize the funding challenges entrepreneurs face, and the government is dedicated to addressing these obstacles.”
KIPA’s pioneer Director General, Dr. Muhammad Kabir Kamba, emphasized that the agency is focused on stimulating investment and promoting economic growth. He reiterated Governor Nasir Idris’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment and attracting investors to support SMEs.
Governor Nasir Idris’s recent international trips underscore his determination to bring rapid development to Kebbi State. These trips, aimed at forging partnerships and signing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), provide the legal framework for attracting local and international investors to the state.
One notable trip took the Governor to Trujillo, Spain, where he met with GB Foods, a leading food processing company. Governor Idris was recognized and awarded for his efforts to create a conducive environment for agri-business development in Kebbi State. The trip is particularly significant for advancing Kebbi’s agricultural sector and attracting foreign investment. By engaging with GB Foods, the Governor seeks to replicate successful agricultural models in Kebbi, focusing on improving local tomato production through a block farming model and adopting Spain’s advanced maize and rice farming techniques.
The Governor’s request to integrate local farmers into GB Foods’ tomato production chain, alongside the introduction of high-yield farming techniques, represents a strategic approach to empower farmers and boost the state’s agricultural economy. With the potential to increase maize and rice yields from the current 2.5-3 tonnes per hectare to 12-18 tonnes per hectare, this initiative could transform production levels, reduce food imports, increase export potential, and improve the livelihoods of Kebbi farmers.
GB Foods’ willingness to partner with Kebbi State demonstrates the success of Governor Idris’s investment drive. The company’s commitment to transferring technology, expertise, and knowledge marks a significant step towards building a robust agri-business sector in Kebbi. This partnership, along with others, will attract more foreign investment, establishing Kebbi as a hub for agricultural development in Nigeria. The Governor’s vision aligns with the broader goals of economic diversification and sustainable development for the state.
Governor Idris’ efforts have significantly raised the profile of Kebbi State, both nationally and internationally. Kebbi has become a top destination for investors, thanks to the Governor’s developmental strides in just over a year. The state is experiencing political stability, evidenced by defections from opposition parties to the ruling APC, as well as substantial progress in infrastructure development, women and youth empowerment, healthcare, education, sports, security, and agriculture.
It is clear that the Governor’s international trips are not mere excursions but are integral to securing the collaboration and investments needed to advance Kebbi State’s development. Like Nigeria’s President, who frequently seeks international partnerships, Governor Idris’ trips are necessary to bolster the state’s socio-economic growth.
Any keen observer of Kebbi’s transformation since Governor Idris assumed office can attest to his dedication to the state’s progress. The Governor’s trips, alongside those of his cabinet members, are part of the administration’s efforts to provide good governance and address the needs of the people, including workers, farmers, and the general populace.
The Governor’s trips have already begun yielding results, with increased interest from national and international organizations, donors, partners, and private sector investors. The people of Kebbi are kept informed of the Governor’s movements and activities through the dedicated efforts of his Commissioner of Information and Media Aides, who consistently disseminate updates via conventional and online media platforms.
In conclusion, Governor Nasir Idris’s trips are far from being wasteful. They are strategic efforts to attract investments, industrialize the state, reduce poverty and unemployment, and enhance food security. These initiatives are essential for boosting Kebbi’s economy, especially in the current era of economic challenges. Governor Nasir Idris deserves praise and support for his unwavering dedication to the progress of Kebbi State.
Sarki is Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to Kebbi State Governor
