Dangote urges govt to encourage domestic investors

Taraba, an agricultural power house not yet harnessed, says Shettima Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Group, on Wednesday, advised governments at all levels to encourage domestic investors, noting that only local investors can attract foreign investors in Nigeria.

Dangote gave the advice at the Taraba International Investment Summit (TARAVEST) 2025 held in Jalingo.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the theme of the summit is unlocking Taraba’s economic potential.

Dangote said that foreign investors would not just come to invest in a place if local investors were not doing well.

He said that the Dangote Group would continue to invest in Nigeria to create employment for the indigent.

He noted that the government was benefiting a lot from Dangote Cement PLC., saying, every N1 the group made from cement, 52 Kobo goes to the government through taxes.

Dangote also observed that Taraba was the best place for agriculture.

He confirmed that the state was viable for investment, especially as the business regulations were friendly, identifying Taraba as home with a captivating land scape.

He commended Gov Agbu Kefas for mobilizing both local and foreign investors to the state, assuring the state of his determination to invest in the state.

In his remark, Gov Abdurahaman Abdurazak of Kwara, Chairman of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF) said that the summit was timely.

Abdurazak, who was represented by Gov. Umar Bago of Niger state said that Taraba was the most states viable for agriculture in Nigeria.

He advised the people of the state to be mindful that investors in agriculture would not take away their lands.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kasshim Shettima on Wednesday said that Taraba was an agricultural power house yet to be harnessed.

Shettima made the remarks at the Taraba State International Investment Summit (TARAVEST) 2025 held in Jalingo.

He said that the state was endowed with rich agricultural potential for investors to tap.

According to him, agriculture is beyond the use of a hoe.

He said that the mining sector in the state also needed to evolve, adding that wealth in Taraba was too much to be reduced to mere statistics.

He said that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, was committed to supporting local investment for wealth generation.

The vice president, however, said that the translation of abundant natural resources into wealth can only be achieved through unity and collective efforts.

He noted that the conversion of these resources to wealth would continue to make Nigeria viable despite the growing population.

He said that the growing population of Nigeria was a matter of concern to all, adding that poor economic planning would be inimical to the country’s future survival.

Earlier, Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba said the state was safe for investment, noting that security and peace was guaranteed.

He thanked the vice president and other dignataries for coming to the state for the summit, saying, you have come home.