Governor Inuwa Yahaya Named “Champion of Subnational Investment Reform”
…As FoSIPAN, Afreximbank, Others Launch Nationwide Drive to Strengthen State Investment Capacity
…Gombe Governor Urges State IPAs to Network, Learn, and Compete Globally Through Local Reforms
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has been honoured with the prestigious title of “Champion of Subnational Investment Reform” by the Forum of State Investment Promotion Agencies of Nigeria (FoSIPAN) during the opening ceremony of the Investment Promotion Capacity Development Workshop held in Abuja.
The two-day event, organised in collaboration with Afreximbank, the Centre for International Trade Development (CITD-Miami), and other key partners, brought together top investment officers from all 36 states and the FCT. The workshop focused on enhancing project bankability, investor facilitation, aftercare services, and aligning institutional strategies with global investment best practices.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who also chairs the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), was recognised for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to driving subnational competitiveness, entrenching ease of doing business frameworks, and championing the establishment and strengthening of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) across the country.
Delivering her remarks at the event, Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Ms. Aisha Rimi, lauded Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s reform-driven approach, noting that:
“Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s work through SABER exemplifies what’s possible when reform is backed by clarity of purpose and sustained political will. At the NIPC, we believe the future of Nigeria’s investment landscape lies with the states, and we’re committed to supporting state IPAs through strategic partnerships like this one with FoSIPAN.”
She added that the NIPC remains focused on building strong institutional linkages, investor intelligence tools, and data systems to reinforce subnational competitiveness.
In his welcome address, FoSIPAN Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA), Mr. Terhemen Johnpaul Kpenkaan, praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya as a trailblazer whose leadership is setting the pace for subnational economic development across Nigeria.
“Your Excellency, your efforts as Chairman of the NGF SABER have catalyzed a quiet revolution in how states engage with investors. Your legacy is already shaping a new generation of professional, investor-ready institutions at the subnational level.”
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Gombe State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji, underscored the importance of empowering IPAs to become more competitive and responsive.
“To lift our people out of poverty and drive inclusive growth, states must become magnets for both local and international investments. This workshop is an investment in our future, and I urge all state IPAs to seize this opportunity to learn, network, and raise the bar.”
He also highlighted Nigeria’s preparation for participation in the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) in Algiers, urging states to strategically position themselves to attract investment on the continental stage.
“Through the NGF SABER programme, we are simplifying regulations, improving infrastructure, and creating business-friendly environments. IPAs are the operational face of these reforms. Your role is pivotal in bridging state policy with investor expectations.”
The Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Investment Promotion Agency (GOSIPA), Farouk Daudu, also featured prominently at the workshop, where he shared Gombe State’s success story in driving subnational investment reforms.
In an interactive session with participants, Daudu elaborated on the state’s deliberate strategies which have earned Gombe the top spot in Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business rankings for two consecutive years. He highlighted key reforms in investor engagement, regulatory efficiency, infrastructure readiness, and inclusive economic planning.
“Our progress in Gombe is the product of strategic leadership, deliberate planning, and political will. With a functional IPA, the operational Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, and a focus on MSMEs and vulnerable groups, we have demonstrated how reform translates to real jobs and growth,” Daudu remarked.
The event also featured goodwill messages from key national figures, including Hon. Ahmed Munir Lere, Chairman, House Committee on Trade and Investment; Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, DG, Presidential Economic Advisory Council and Foreign Intervention Promotion Council; and Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, DG, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, among others.
Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General, Press Affairs
Government House, Gombe.