RE: “Invest Inwardly Instead Of Seeking Handouts Abroad” – Kebbi PDP Berate KBSG

Press Release

The recent comments by the PDP spokesperson in Kebbi State, claiming that the Kebbi State Government, under the capable leadership of Governor Nasir Idris, is wasting public resources on unproductive foreign trips, are misleading, mischievous and aimed solely at gaining cheap popularity.

This is not the first time the PDP has voiced unfounded criticisms. Thankfully, each time, however, the public has remained confident in Governor Idris’s approach and commitment to advancing Kebbi State’s development. These foreign engagements have attracted substantial attention and partnerships, underscoring the Governor’s dedication to securing international investments beneficial to the economic prosperity of Kebbi State.

Since taking office on May, 29th 2023, Governor Nasir Idris has made remarkable progress in various sectors, particularly in infrastructural development and investment promotion through the revitalization of the Kebbi State Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA). This agency operates to create most conducive enabling environment where investments and small/medium scale enterprises can thrive, enhancing the state’s economic landscape.

The Governor’s recent international trips highlight his focus on fostering partnerships and signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that are essential for bringing local and international investors into Kebbi. Through these trips, Kebbi has gained national and international recognition as a top destination for investment, due largely to the Governor’s ongoing developmental efforts.

A prime example is Governor Idris’s recent visit to Trujillo, Spain, where he engaged with GB Foods, a leading food processing company. GB Foods honoured the Governor’s commitment to advancing agriculture in Kebbi, with plans to adopt Spain’s advanced farming techniques for crops like tomatoes, maize, and rice. This relationship will directly support Kebbi’s agricultural sector and stimulate economic growth in the state.

Similarly, at the 13th World Zakkat and Waqf Forum in Indonesia on November 1, 2024, Governor Idris delivered a keynote address urging global collaboration to make Zakkat and Waqf systems more accessible and impactful. This initiative holds the potential to alleviate poverty in Kebbi, as the Governor is working to secure Zakkat and Waqf funds from donor nations to support socio-economic development for vulnerable populations within the state.

While the PDP is suggesting that the administration focuses on establishing trade-free zones and border markets, they fail to recognize that this administration is only one and half years in office. Governor Idris is systematically assessing the impact of peculiar initiative and sustainability to ensure long-term benefits for the people of Kebbi.

Furthermore, in its effort to support investment and development, the Kebbi State Government recently disbursed ₦289.542 million in compensation to residents whose land was acquired for the Tsamiya Inland Dry Port project in Bagudo Local Government Area. This major infrastructure project, located in Shaguna near Nigeria’s border with Benin Republic, exemplifies the Governor’s vision of transforming Kebbi into a trade and investment hub.

In conclusion, Governor Nasir Idris’s foreign engagements are not only strategic but crucial for attracting investments that will reduce poverty, minimise unemployment, and strengthen food security in Kebbi. These international collaborations are pivotal for driving the state’s economy forward, especially given the nation’s current economic challenges.

Instead of waiting for investors to come to Kebbi, Governor Idris understands that he must actively seek partnerships that will bring prosperity to Kebbi’s people.

Credit: Yahaya Sarki
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Kebbi State Governor.