Abba Hamisu San
Africa-Press – Nigeria. In this Interview with Africa Press Mohammed Kati Machina,who is the Senior Liason Officer on Commerce and Industry to the Governor of Yobe State Mai Mala Buni and the former Director General Yobe Chamber of Commerce Mines ,Industries and Agriculture digested the investment opportunities in Yobe State and how its strategic location that shares border with three African countries ,one from west Africa and the two from Central Africa plus the recent establishment of Cargo Air Port in Damaturu the capital of the state make it economically attractive.
He also analyse how mineral resources , Alternative energy particularly solar and Agriculture remain to be another potential that can derive Investment to the state which is the number one producer of groundnut in Nigeria.Among other potentials.
The Excerpt
Yobe is one of the. North East States in Nigeria. Can you share the economic potentials in the state that are capable of attracting both foreign and domestic investors?
Yobe State possesses significant economic potentials that can attract foreign investors ,particularly in Agriculture ,solid minerals and tourism.It also boasts a strategic location ,abundant natural resources and commitment to pro-business policies ,making it an attractive destination for investment.
Interms of Agriculture ,Yobe is the major producer of groundnuts ,rice ,wheat ,sesame seeds,gumarabic ,sorghum,cowpea,and has large livestock Markets.
The State hosts the largest cattle and grains markets in West Africa ,offering significant opportunities for investment in processing and export.
The state government is actively promoting sesame seeds and livestock exports to boost employment and foreign exchange earnings potentially attracting foreign further investment in these sectors.
In the of mineral resources sector Yobe has substantial deposits of limestone ,gypsum,kaolin , trona,bentonite ,diatomite ,silica sand ,iron ore and uranium.
These resources present opportunities for investment in mining ,processing and related industries.
Yobe State is also reach interms of cultural heritage ,including festivals like the Gogaram Fishing and Cultural and ruins of Birnin Ngazargam,offers potentials for tourism development, Investment in tourism-related infrastructure ,such as accomodations and transportation would further enhance the state’s tourism sector.
You talk about the Agriculture and mineral resources , now with the establishment of the Cargo Airport in Damaturu the Capital of Yobe State how will this contribute towards improving export from Yobe to the other parts of the world?
Ofcourse it will create more opportunities for the state as the aim of establishing the Cargo Air Port is to enhance cargo services particularly for Agricultural and natural resource products and to stimulate economic growth in the North-East region.It also aims to facilitate trade,create job opportunities and support regional integration.
The Airport is intended to serve as a gateway for tourism and strategic asset for humanitarian and disaster response.
It is also designed to handle bulk commodities like millet ,sesame,and gum Arabic ,supporting the export of Yobe State’s Agricultural products and other natural resources.
The facility is expected to stimulate local economic growth,foster the development of small and medium enterprises (SME’s).
And to facilitate import and export of goods, connecting the State to the regional and global markets.
Additionally it will serve as a gateway to Yobe state’s cultural and historical sites ,promoting tourism and showcasing the state’s rich heritage.
The airport is also critical for improving connectivity with neigbouring countries. It will at the same time foster regional integration and collaboration.
At the same time it is expected to stimulate urban development around Damaturu,attracting investments and boosting infrastructure development that will make the Yobe State more accessible to foreign and local investors.
As the Senior Liason Officer on Commerce and Industry to Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni’ what your government is puting in place to provide an enabling environment for the investors and Investment?
Under His Excellency the Governor of Yobe State gobernment is doing alot in making the state investment friendly by enacting Pro- business Policies.They include ;Reforms that can facilitate Ease of Doing Business by creating a more attractive environment for investors.
The state government also offers incentives like provision of land ,infrastructure ,and speedy ,processing of Certificate of Occupancy applications.
The former Director General Yobe Chamber of Commerce added that Yobe’s Corporate plan is aligned with the National Development plan focusing on diversification.
Yobe share boarders with countries like Niger Republic , Cameroon and Chad, this make it to be one of the centres of International Business in Northern Nigeria.How does this create job and investment opportunities and revenue to the state?
You see the strategic location of Yobe as it shares border with countries like Cameroon,Chad and Niger Republic as well as four Nigerian states ,provides access to regional and international markets.
Other sectors that make Yobe more attractive is the renewable energy ,it has enoumous potentials in that regard particularly solar power ,aligning with the global trends towards sustainable energy sources.
Interms of Manufacturing the state focus on industrialization and utilization of local raw materials as potential to attract investment in manufacturing industries.
In summary,Yobe State offers a compelling combination of natural resources ,strategic location ,and pro-business policies making it a promising destination for foreign investment across various sectors.
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