Shettima to governors: Compete for investment, not federal allocations
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday called on governors to embrace healthy competition in attracting investments and creating jobs, saying such rivalry is critical to achieving sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
Speaking at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, Shettima said the increasing number of investment summits across the country reflects a growing economic awakening among subnational governments and should be encouraged.
He said each state must chart its own development path based on its unique strengths and comparative advantages.
“The cycle of competition among our states is now evident in the quality and ambition of the investment summits convened across the federation. Every state possesses immense promise, but each must define a trajectory unique to its history, geography, people and comparative advantage,” the Vice President said.
Describing the emerging competition as one centred on development rather than conflict, Shettima added: “This is the race we must welcome: a race that proclaims growth rather than conflict, a race in which the prize is employment, prosperity and human dignity.”
The Vice President attributed the trend to President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, which he said had significantly increased federal allocations to states, giving them greater resources to pursue development.
“This season of summits owes itself to the stronger foundation laid by the economic reset of President Bola Tinubu, which has placed far larger allocations in the hands of state governments to pursue their internal development agendas,” he said.
He noted that states were now focusing on investment promotion to ensure the increased revenues translate into economic opportunities and employment.
