Nigeria's drive to bridge its infrastructure gap and stimulate economic activities across the country's regions has received a fresh push. Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, made the appeal in New York while representing Nigeria at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Ahmadu spoke at a business event convened by the USA– Africa Trade and Business Network under the theme, “Regional Development, Infrastructure and Investment: Advancing U.S.–Africa Economic Opportunity.”
Ahmadu presented Nigeria's regional development agenda to prospective investors and development partners. He stressed that the country's infrastructure deficit should also be seen from the perspective of the enormous investment opportunities it presents. According to him, unlocking these opportunities would require a coordinated approach involving government institutions, the private sector, development finance institutions, donor organisations and other strategic partners.
The Federal Government is working to strengthen the Development Commissions and improve the coordination of interventions across the various geopolitical zones. This is part of efforts to achieve more balanced regional development. Ahmadu pointed to several sectors as areas where strategic investment could make a significant difference, including transportation, renewable energy, urban regeneration, agriculture and agro-processing, healthcare, digital infrastructure and other critical infrastructure projects.
Ahmadu advocated innovative funding arrangements that would make regional development projects more attractive to institutional and private investors. He noted that conventional government funding alone may not be sufficient to meet the country's infrastructure requirements. The minister invited United States and African investors, technology firms, DFIs and development organisations to establish deeper partnerships with the Nigerian government.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to ensuring that infrastructure investment translates into wider economic opportunities, enterprise development, job creation and improved living conditions for Nigerians. Ahmadu maintained that regional development should ultimately be measured by its impact on communities and the ability of projects to create sustainable economic opportunities for citizens.
Ahmadu challenged stakeholders to translate discussions into practical investment partnerships. He emphasised the need for Nigeria to progress “from policy to projects, from projects to investment, and from investment to measurable development impact.” The minister's appeal is part of Nigeria's efforts to attract investors and stimulate economic growth.
The event provided a platform for Nigeria to showcase its investment opportunities and potential for economic growth. Ahmadu's presentation highlighted the country's commitment to regional development and its potential for sustainable economic opportunities.
Key points
- Nigeria's Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, seeks investors for regional development projects at the 81st UNGA Session in New York.
