Katsina State has stormed into the national investment spotlight, securing a massive ₦489.4 billion in private-sector commitments at the 2025 Economic and Investment Summit — a defining moment in Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s push to build a future-ready economy.
Held under the theme “Building Your Future Economy,” the summit gathered global investors, policymakers, CEOs, and development partners, all drawn by Katsina’s sweeping reforms, renewed security, and rising economic confidence.
Governor Radda, speaking in a fireside chat, declared that Katsina has evolved from a state pleading for investment to one competing boldly for serious capital. With strengthened security architecture and far-reaching economic reforms, he said, Katsina now offers a secure, transparent, innovation-driven environment supported by strong political will.
Security Reclaimed, Confidence Restored
The Governor recalled inheriting widespread insecurity, with 24 LGAs under insurgent pressure. Today, he noted, the tide has turned.
Through a community-led security model, the state has deployed:
2,500 trained members of the Community Watch Group,
9,747 Village and District Security Committee members, providing real-time intelligence,
improved logistics, coordination, and allowances for conventional security agencies.
The results are visible: markets once shut for six years — Sheme, Yantumaki, Danmusa — are now open; farmers recorded bumper harvests; irrigation and pastoral activities have resumed across previously volatile zones.
“My message to investors is simple,” Radda said. “We have created fertile and secure ground for your investments. Katsina is ready for you.”
Reforms That Open Doors
The administration has rolled out landmark reforms aimed at cutting bureaucracy and attracting investment:
Introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA)
Establishment of the Directorate of ICT
Launch of SPIME, a strategic policy monitoring unit
Creation of the Public Service Administration Reform Department
Strengthening of KASEDA for MSME growth
Deployment of KATGIS, a modern land management system
A digital One-Stop Shop for business registration
The Sustainable Agricultural Development Platform commissioned by the Vice President
Farm mechanization centers in all 34 LGAs, with digital machinery requests.
Global Partnerships Taking Root
Katsina’s international outreach is yielding dividends.
Governor Radda highlighted:
The pioneering Katsina State Development Management Board (KSDMB)
Strong performance on World Bank projects such as AGILE, TESS, and RAAMP
152 new houses for IDPs in Jibia through UNDP
Ten containers of medical equipment from the World Relief Agency (Michigan)
Ten more containers of medical supplies from Pure Life Medical Equipment
Educational materials—ten containers from a U.S. partner
Expansion of the Nigeria for Women Project to all 34 LGAs with ₦4B state funding
Work on a 1MW hydroelectric plant in Danja
An MoU with the Border Security Agency of Belarus to deepen security reforms.
In his keynote address, elder statesman Senator Ibrahim Ida applauded the summit for breaking Nigeria’s pattern of “excellent plans without implementation.” He hailed Katsina’s strategic advantages — border trade links, rich resources, youth population, agriculture, and renewable-energy potential — as magnets for investors.
He called for long-term policy stability, stronger SMEs, deeper PPPs, and community-led security systems.
“Katsina stands at a historic turning point,” he said. “With unity of purpose, the state can build a future that is innovative, secure, and inclusive.”
Deals Signed, Investors Onboard
The summit saw the signing of MoUs with Abils Group, Dar Alhalal, Global Innovation Laboratory, and others.
Key investors already operating in the state include:Darma Rice Mill,
Gobarau Agro Allied,Equatorial Marine Oil and Gas (EMOG) and Boko Fertilizer Nigeria Limited.High-Profile Attendance The event drew top
