Katsina State has recorded a major economic milestone after securing more than N489.4 billion in private-sector investment commitments at the 2025 Economic and Investment Summit. The event, held under the theme “Building Your Future Economy,” brought together investors, policymakers, business leaders, and development partners who explored new opportunities created through Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s economic reforms. Speaking during a fireside chat, Governor Radda said Katsina is now one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing investment destinations, explaining that the state no longer begs for investment but offers a secure, transparent, and innovation-driven environment backed by strong political will.
The Governor addressed security concerns by recalling that he inherited widespread insecurity, with 24 local governments under insurgent pressure. He explained that his administration introduced a community-based security model to restore peace. This includes the Katsina State Community Watch Group, which has trained and deployed over 2,500 young men, as well as Village and District Security Committees with 9,747 members providing intelligence to security agencies. Radda said improved coordination, allowances, and logistics have significantly reduced insecurity, leading to the reopening of markets like Sheme, Yantumaki, and Danmusa after more than six years of closure. He added that farmers enjoyed a bumper harvest last year, irrigation has resumed, and seasonal security deployments now protect farmers during planting and harvest. “We have created a fertile and secure ground for your investments. Katsina is ready for you,” he said.
Governor Radda outlined several reforms to improve the ease of doing business, including the Treasury Single Account, the Directorate of ICT, and SPIME. He also highlighted the Public Service Administration Reform Department, strengthened support for MSMEs through KASEDA, and the rollout of KATGIS to enhance land administration. The state has launched a digital one-stop shop for business registration and regulatory services and introduced the Sustainable Agricultural Development Platform to boost food production. Farm mechanization centers have been established across all 34 LGAs, allowing farmers to request machinery digitally. He added that bills before the State Assembly will ensure long-term sustainability.
On global partnerships, the Governor mentioned the creation of the Katsina State Development Management Board to coordinate international engagements. He cited progress with World Bank-supported projects such as AGILE, TESS, and RAAMP, as well as a UNDP-supported housing project that delivered 152 houses for displaced persons in Jibia. Other collaborations include donations of medical equipment from the World Relief Agency in Michigan and Pure Life Medical Equipment, along with a U.S. educational partnership that has sent ten containers of learning materials. He also announced the expansion of the Nigeria for Women Project to all 34 LGAs through an additional N4 billion state commitment.
In the energy sector, the Governor confirmed ongoing work on a 1-megawatt hydroelectric project in Danja. He also revealed that Katsina recently signed an MoU with the Border Security Agency of Belarus to strengthen its security architecture. “We refuse to fall behind. We will not remain at the back,” he said, adding that Katsina’s goal is to remain visible, competitive, and progressive.
Governor Radda assured investors of sincerity and readiness to partner with them, saying, “Your investments will not only yield profit; they will build factories, create jobs, power clinics, support schools, and transform lives.” He noted Katsina’s long history of scholarship, trade, and intellectual excellence and stressed that all reforms are anchored on human development. “Our investments must be people-centered,” he said.
Earlier, KIPA Director-General Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur Jikamshi described the summit as “a defining moment” for Katsina’s transformation. Delivering the keynote, Senator Ibrahim Ida noted that Nigeria’s biggest challenge has been good plans without implementation. He praised Governor Radda for breaking this pattern and said private-sector investment must now drive the state’s economic transformation. He highlighted Katsina’s strategic advantages, including its border location, links with Niger Republic, youthful population, rich resources, and renewable-energy prospects. He emphasized economic diversification, human capital development, and security as the three essential pathways for growth. On insecurity, he said military action alone is not enough and called for intelligence-driven, community-led approaches.
Goodwill messages came from Alhaji Dikko Ladan of Dar Alhalal, Abubakar Ibrahim Danmusa of CONSTRIX and Estate, representatives of the Nigerian Agricultural Development Fund, PwC, and others who commended the state government. Several MoUs were signed with the Abils Group, Dar Alhalal, and the Global Innovation Laboratory. Companies that have already invested include Darma Rice Mill, Gobarau Agro Allied Companies, Equatorial Marine Oil and Gas Company Limited, and Boko Fertilizer Nigeria Limited.
The summit was attended by the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Tanko Sununu; business leaders Dahiru Barau Mangal, Dr. Umar Mutallab, and Alhaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa; representatives of the Kaduna and Yobe State governments; and members of the Katsina State Executive Council.
