BREAKING: Invest at Home First, Dangote Urges Taraba to Prioritize Domestic Investors

Taraba State took center stage in Nigeria’s economic spotlight as top political and business leaders gathered to explore the region's vast investment potential, especially in agriculture.

The event, themed
“Showcasing Taraba: Nigeria’s New Investment Frontier”, attracted dignitaries including Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Governor of Niger State Umar Bago, Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Chairman Tony Elumelu, and other prominent figures from Nigeria’s public and private sectors.

In his keynote remarks, Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, praised Taraba State as one of Nigeria’s most promising agricultural hubs. He highlighted the state's fertile soil, ample rainfall, and a favorable climate as key assets that can transform it into a major player in local and global food production.

“Taraba is a goldmine for agriculture. The state has everything it takes—rich soil, water resources, and the right environment to become Nigeria’s food basket,” Dangote stated.

He offered strategic advice to the Taraba State Governor, urging him to prioritize domestic investment as a catalyst for attracting international interest.

“Foreign investors follow the confidence of local investors. Strengthen domestic participation first, and the global players will follow,” Dangote noted.

The industrialist also called on both the federal and state governments to remain committed to job creation, stressing that sustainable employment is essential for Nigeria’s socioeconomic stability and the future of Taraba’s youth.

“We must continue to create jobs and opportunities to keep our economy moving forward. Taraba has the potential to lead this change,” he added.

The forum underscored a shared national ambition to unlock the untapped economic potential of Taraba and similar states through strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and inclusive policies that attract investment across sectors.

As Taraba sets its sights on becoming an investment destination of choice, the presence of Nigeria’s top economic leaders at the forum signals growing confidence in the state’s future as a new frontier for national development.