Taraba State Set to Host First-Ever Investment Summit, Showcasing Economic Potential

By Iyojo Ameh

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has outlined compelling reasons why Taraba is emerging as Nigeria’s next prime destination for investors, ahead of the state’s inaugural investment summit slated for May 21, 2025.

Speaking during a high-level engagement with diplomatic and business representatives in Abuja on Monday, Governor Kefas emphasized the summit’s goal: to unlock the state’s vast economic potential and attract impactful investments across agriculture, energy, mining, and industrialization.

“This historic summit will position Taraba as a beacon of opportunity,” Kefas said. “We aim to showcase the state’s untapped assets, ensure investor confidence in our business environment, and build lasting development partnerships.”

The event, themed “Taraba 2025: Unlocking Investment Potentials”, will be held at the Government House Banquet Hall in Jalingo. According to the governor, the summit aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and seeks to convert federal interventions into tangible outcomes such as job creation and sustainable development.

Governor Kefas highlighted five key sectors that give Taraba a competitive edge:

1. Peace and Security – Taraba has reported zero major security incidents in the past two years, supported by a coordinated security framework involving local and federal agencies.

2. Agriculture – With over 44,000 square kilometers of arable land, the state is a hub for crops like rice, maize, and cassava.

3. Energy – The state boasts significant hydropower potential from the Benue River and solar mini-grid installations across its 168 wards.

4. Mining – Taraba has rich reserves of minerals including gold, lithium, barite, limestone, and sapphires, awaiting responsible development.

5. Digital Economy & Tourism – Emerging ICT hubs and attractions such as the Gashaka-Gumti National Park offer opportunities for growth in the tourism and tech sectors.

The summit will feature action-oriented panel discussions, public-private partnership (PPP) frameworks, and guided site visits to model farms and exploration zones. It will also include matchmaking sessions for business-to-government (B2G) and business-to-business (B2B) negotiations, aimed at facilitating MOUs and joint ventures.

Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, assured prospective investors of a secure and business-friendly climate. He outlined legal protections, tax incentives, and policy continuity measures in place to support foreign and local investments.

“We have harmonized state and federal laws to provide a stable regulatory framework,” Elumelu stated. “Investors can expect clarity, ease of doing business, and protection of their returns.”

He also noted the government’s readiness to support technical cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, vocational training, and digital agriculture.

The summit will culminate in breakout sessions for the signing of investment agreements, enabling immediate commencement of projects.

Representing the diplomatic corps, the Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Nigeria commended Governor Kefas for his leadership and vision, expressing confidence in the summit’s potential to boost international partnerships.