Vice President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms are rebuilding the core pillars of Nigeria’s economy and strengthening the capacity of states to drive independent development.
Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday in Lafia during the Nasarawa Investment Summit 2026, where he outlined key outcomes of the administration’s restructuring agenda, including fiscal reforms, improved energy frameworks, tax reforms, and digital investment systems.
According to him, the reforms are designed to reduce states’ dependence on the federal government by empowering subnational governments to become more economically self-sufficient.
“At the national level, we are rebuilding the pillars every state depends on: energy reliability, fiscal balance, tax reform, and a single digital gateway for investment,” he said.
He noted that ongoing power sector reforms and federal infrastructure projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline and the Abuja industrial corridor would complement state-level initiatives like the Nasarawa Gas Master Plan.
Shettima added that Nigeria is aligning with global trends where strong federating units drive national growth, describing states as emerging centres of enterprise and innovation.
He said the administration’s reforms are creating more room for states to plan, invest, and respond to development needs with greater confidence.
“What Nasarawa State pursues here aligns with the national direction set by our reform-minded leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
He also described the emerging federal-state fiscal relationship as a “new compact” that rewards discipline, competitiveness, and reform-driven governance.
Shettima further highlighted improving economic indicators, noting that capital inflows rose from $12.32bn in 2024 to $23.22bn in 2025, while the stock market delivered strong returns, with equities gaining over 51 per cent.
“Capital follows credibility, stability, and direction,” he said, adding that investor confidence is returning as Nigeria continues to implement difficult but necessary reforms.
Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, said the summit was aimed at strengthening investor confidence by ensuring policy continuity and institutional stability.
He said Nasarawa’s investment drive is anchored on durable governance structures rather than political transitions.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, said economic reforms remain dynamic and necessary for long-term stability, while praising the administration’s handling of recent economic adjustments.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, said the federal government remains committed to partnering with states to attract investment and expand local production capacity.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA), Barr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the state has already attracted over $2bn in investments and is positioning itself as a major investment destination in Nigeria.
The summit underscored growing collaboration between federal and state governments as Nigeria pushes forward with its economic restructuring agenda.
