Abuja: The Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has called on investors, entrepreneurs, and business communities to collaborate with the Yobe State Government to enhance the state’s economic landscape. Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General of ACCI, made this appeal during Yobe’s Special Day at the 20th Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Jideani highlighted Yobe’s commitment to privatization, aimed at reducing the government’s direct role in industrial production, thereby creating opportunities for private enterprises. He pointed out the potential for investors to rejuvenate companies like Neital Nigeria Limited, focusing on its shoe and tannery sections. He emphasized the vast opportunities in Yobe, including mineral exploitation, agro-processing, trade expansion, and industrial development, which require the involvement of investors, partners, and enablers.
Jideani stated, “Today’s celebration is crucial as it invites the business community at the trade fair to recognize Yobe as a state with potential and a strategic investment destination.” He also addressed the theme of the fair, “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives and Taxation,” as both timely and relevant to the national and state economies.
He elaborated on Yobe’s rich mineral resources, such as limestone, kaolin, diatomite, gypsum, clay shale, trona, sandstone, silica sand, granite, and iron ore, which could generate employment, attract investment, and accelerate industrialization in the state. Beyond minerals, Yobe is a hub for regional and cross-border trade, serving as a gateway for commerce across Northern Nigeria and neighboring West and North African countries.
Jideani praised Governor Mai Mala Buni and his team for their vision and dedication to economic transformation. “The ACCI is proud to partner with you, and we urge all stakeholders present to seize the opportunities Yobe offers,” he said.
Governor Buni, represented by Mr. Kaigama Umar, Commissioner of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Tourism, and Solid Mineral, remarked on the fair’s theme as a reflection of a forward-thinking vision aligned with the state’s development priorities. He affirmed the state’s commitment to fostering a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible economy.
Buni outlined Yobe’s initiatives to develop frameworks supporting farmers adopting climate-smart agriculture and incentivizing SMEs engaging in green innovation. The state also encourages renewable energy investment through favorable policies and recognizes communities leading in waste reduction, afforestation, and environmental stewardship.
He stressed the importance of promoting responsible consumption across all sectors, advocating for energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, water conservation, waste reduction, and environmentally friendly technologies. “Yobe is committed to setting a good example through its agricultural policies aimed at modernizing farmland cultivation through mechanization,” he added.
Buni concluded by inviting prospective investors to explore the abundant opportunities in Yobe for thriving businesses. The trade fair, reported by NAN, commenced on September 25th and will conclude on October 6, 2025.
