- Northern Nigeria’s investment commitments will target mining, agriculture, and power to create jobs and boost productivity.
- The NNEDC will manage implementation, publish quarterly reports, and ensure transparency across all investments.
Northern Nigerian leaders have secured over $10 billion in investment commitments to revitalise key sectors and create jobs. The announcement followed the Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialisation Summit (NNIIS) in Abuja, marking a significant step in regional development.
During the two-day summit, governors, federal ministers, development partners, and private investors gathered to reaffirm confidence in the North’s potential. They aim to make it a central industrial hub. Following the discussions, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) launched the Northern Nigeria Economic Development Council (NNEDC) to coordinate and monitor projects.
“Security provides the base, policy consistency gives structure, and private capital drives progress. Northern Nigeria can transform its vast resources into sustainable growth with these,” said Professor D.D. Sheni, Director-General of NEF.
The summit, themed “Unlocking Strategic Opportunities in Mining, Agriculture, and Power (MAP 2025),” reflected unity and shared ambition. Governors from the North West, North East, and North Central zones signed the Northern Nigeria Economic Development Charter. They pledged to pursue inclusive and sustainable prosperity.
Meanwhile, the federal government reaffirmed its full support. President Bola Tinubu, represented by Finance Minister Wale Edun, stated, “Nigeria’s prosperity is deeply tied to the progress of Northern Nigeria.”
Furthermore, Professor Ango Abdullahi, Chairman of the NEF Board of Trustees, explained that the $10 billion plan will run for five years. States attracted these funds through investment showcases and matchmaking sessions that directly connected them with investors.
Moreover, delegations from Turkey, India, Canada, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia showed strong interest in mining, agriculture, and infrastructure. To ensure transparency, the Joint Implementation and Monitoring Taskforce (JIMT) will oversee early-stage projects and issue quarterly progress reports.
In addition, the forum introduced reforms to boost investor confidence. These include modernising mining governance, improving environmental standards, and digitising land administration. It plans to use infrastructure bonds and sukuk to finance power and industrial projects.
Consequently, through stronger collaboration, clear policy direction, and visionary leadership, Northern Nigeria is now positioned for lasting industrial growth and sustainable transformation.