Sub-nationals must drive Nigeria’s investment, tourism growth, says Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria’s next phase of economic expansion will depend largely on the ability of state governments to document their assets, attract investment, develop tourism and transform local potential into jobs and economic prosperity.

Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday at the Sub-National Government Economic and Tourism Information Roundtable and the launch of the National Compendium on the Economic and Tourism Profiles of the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters in the Office of the Vice President, Dr. Tope Fasua, the Vice President described the compendium as a critical tool for investment promotion, economic planning and tourism development.

He said the publication aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda by positioning states at the centre of Nigeria’s growth strategy.

According to him, Nigeria possesses abundant natural resources, cultural assets, entrepreneurial talent and economic opportunities, but must improve the way it documents and presents these assets to investors.

“Nigeria is rich in assets, rich in talent, rich in culture, rich in enterprise and rich in natural endowments. What we must do is organise these assets, document them properly, present them credibly, and connect them to capital, markets, technology and investors,” he said.

Shettima described the compendium as a national investment document, tourism guide, economic intelligence tool and branding instrument designed to showcase Nigeria’s opportunities beyond its challenges.

“For too long, our story has been told from the narrow lens of challenges. Today we tell a broader story of opportunity, resilience, creativity and partnership,” he added.