The Kebbi State Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA) says the state has attracted investment commitments worth about $14 billion across key sectors of the economy in the state.

Director-general of KIPA, Muhammad Kabir-Kamba, made this known in an interview on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi, on the sidelines of the launch of the 2026 Argungu Fishing Festival, which commenced with an Investors’ Forum.

Mr Kabir-Kamba said over 42 investors from different parts of the world, including the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates, were participating in the forum to explore business opportunities in the state.

According to him, the prospective investments span agriculture, housing, energy, mining and manufacturing.

He added, “One of the most significant projects we are discussing is the establishment of an electric auto manufacturing company in Kebbi.

“The company is expected to produce electric cars, electric motorcycles, solar panels and lithium batteries.

“This is very strategic for us because of its direct impact on job creation, technology transfer and value addition within the state.”

The director-general stated that a $4.9 billion investment proposal on iron ore exploration was also under consideration, alongside a separate $4 billion agricultural investment project in Yauri Emirate.

“We also have a number of renewable energy companies that have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to invest between $70 million and $100 million each.

“In the energy sector alone, we are commencing the construction of 25 mini-grids across Kebbi between 2026 and 2027.

“Beyond that, we are targeting an additional 75 mini-grids, which will bring the total to 100 mini-grids in the state. This aligns with a national programme, and we are positioning Kebbi to be among the first states to benefit maximally from the available resources,” he said.

Mr Kabir-Kamba noted that the cumulative value of the MoUs being signed during the festival stood at about $14 billion, cutting across multiple sectors of the state’s development priorities.

He said the investments were in line with the state’s development plan and anchored on its comparative advantages, particularly in agriculture and solid minerals.

The director-general attributed the growing investor confidence to the prevailing peace and security in the state, including the enabling environment created by the government.

He said, “We have relative peace and security in Kebbi, and that is critical to driving investments to fruition. Investors are more confident when they see stability and government commitment.”

Mr Kabir-Kamba also acknowledged the support of key partners and sponsors, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Access Bank and other corporate organisations, for their roles in facilitating the investment drive.

The DG expressed optimism that the agreements would translate into tangible projects that would stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and improve the overall standard of living in the state. 
(NAN)