By Ayomide Otitoju
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has stressed the need for a stable and secure business environment to attract investment and drive sustainable economic growth.
Atiku made this call on Wednesday while speaking at the Taraba International Investment Summit (Taravest) held in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital. He noted that Taraba State holds significant untapped investment potential, which can be fully realised through the creation of an enabling investment climate.
Highlighting agriculture, solid minerals, and tourism as key growth sectors, Atiku urged the state government to implement policy measures that address investment risks, remove bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ensure peace and stability in host communities.
“Peace, security, and stability in host communities are critical determinants of investment flows,” he said.
He called for clearly defined investment strategies with coherent policy frameworks and urged the strengthening of institutions to enhance infrastructure quality—describing them as foundational to sustainable development.
Atiku also advocated for strategic partnerships among government, private investors, local businesses, and communities to close resource gaps and spur inclusive development.
“No Nigerian state has the physical or financial capacity to independently drive growth. Strategic partnerships are key to unlocking economic potential,” he noted.
He emphasised the role of private investment in boosting internally generated revenue and providing critical financing, technology, and expertise.
“If Taraba aspires to realise its potential, it must leverage private sector resources—including finance, skills, and technology—as Aliko Dangote rightly observed,” he said. “Private investments will help Taraba maximise its strengths in agriculture, industry, and solid minerals, laying the groundwork for a diversified and inclusive economy.”
The former vice president also highlighted the importance of skill and technology transfer to improve productivity and competitiveness among local enterprises. He stressed that investments in education and healthcare would build the capacity of Taraba’s human capital, while targeted interventions would support the poor and vulnerable.
“With enhanced access to basic services and equitable resource distribution, Taraba can effectively tackle poverty and empower its people,” he said.
Atiku commended the Taraba State government for its commitment to economic development, noting that the summit’s effort to bring together local and international investors aligned with the administration’s vision for growth and diversification.
“This initiative aligns with your vision to build a prosperous, united, and secure Taraba State that serves as a model for growth and sustainable development,” he added.
