Goodwill Message of the Executive Governor of Kaduna State

Delivered at the Nigerian–Saudi Investment and Tourism Exhibition 2026

Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

I am the Honourable Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, and I have the honour of representing my principal, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani, CON, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, who is unavoidably absent due to an important official engagement requiring his presence.

His Excellency extends his warm greetings and sincere apologies for being unable to join us today. He has asked me to deliver his goodwill message, which reads as follows:

It is with profound honour that I address you today at the Nigerian–Saudi Investment and Tourism Exhibition 2026.

I extend my sincere appreciation to the Organising Committee for the privilege of serving as a Guest of Honour at this landmark gathering.

The theme of this event—promoting economic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Federal Republic of Nigeria—is timely. It resonates deeply with the Federal Government’s national agenda of collaboration and reflects the strategic objectives of subnational entities such as Kaduna State.

Our administration recognises that rapid development cannot be achieved without robust global partnerships and international collaboration. We draw inspiration from the proactive diplomatic and economic strides taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose administration has sought to reposition the national economy through courageous reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the liberalisation of the exchange-rate regime, and comprehensive tax and institutional restructuring.

Since assuming office in May 2023, our vision for Kaduna State has been deliberate and clear: to reposition the state as Nigeria’s preferred investment destination.

We have focused on strengthening security, improving the ease of doing business, and building the critical infrastructure and institutions necessary to inspire long-term investor confidence. These efforts have already yielded more than US$3.5 billion in investment commitments, with several projects currently operational.

A cornerstone of our progress has been the significant improvement in security across the state, achieved through the Kaduna Peace Model—a combination of proactive security measures, community engagement, dialogue and institutional alignment.

This model has gained international recognition and contributed to the United Kingdom Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, FCDO, upgrading Kaduna State’s travel advisory status from red to amber.

Today, peace has returned to many of our previously troubled communities, creating a stable environment in which enterprise can flourish.

Beyond security, we have implemented reforms aimed at strengthening our local economy, including farmer-empowerment programmes and extensive infrastructure projects. We have successfully constructed and rehabilitated 80 roads covering approximately 1,254 kilometres.

Furthermore, our commitment to human-capital development is evident in the establishment and commissioning of world-class vocational training and skills-development institutes across our three senatorial zones. Experts have rated these institutions among the best of their kind globally.

To further stimulate economic activity, our administration has embarked on a deliberate transformation of Kaduna State’s transport ecosystem. Well-planned transport systems create jobs, restore order, enhance surveillance and promote economic inclusion.

We recently performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an ultramodern interstate bus terminal at the Eastern Bypass in Chikun Local Government Area.

Our other interventions and projects in the transportation sector include:

• Construction of the Southern Bus Terminal and the Kakuri Modern Terminal;

• Development of a proposed 24-kilometre corridor for the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit system;

• Designation and development of trailer parks to reduce congestion and road accidents;

• Deployment of hundreds of compressed natural gas, CNG, buses, including the provision of free rides for citizens;

• Construction of more than 2,200 bus stops across the state;

• Establishment of the Kaduna State Integrated Transport System;

• Development of the Soba Bus Terminal;

• Harmonisation of illegal terminals along the northern axis;

• Revitalisation of Kaduna Line to restore its operational viability; and

• Completion of plans for the flag-off and groundbreaking ceremony of the Kaduna Light Rail Project.

These initiatives are designed to ensure seamless connectivity within Kaduna State and beyond, thereby facilitating the efficient movement of people, goods and services.

Kaduna State is also rich in mineral resources, with more than 25 identified non-oil mineral deposits. Our state is blessed with high-grade platinum-group metals and critical minerals such as gold, silver, nickel, copper, cobalt, lithium, rare-earth elements, granite, laterite, aquamarine, sapphire, topaz, garnet and several others.

Kaduna State offers significant investment opportunities across numerous sectors, including:

• Agro-industrial value chains;

• Manufacturing and industrial development;

• Infrastructure and logistics;

• Energy and renewable power;

• Technology and digital innovation; and

• Housing and urban development.

Kaduna State is a land of immense natural beauty and profound cultural heritage. It is home to more than 60 ethnic groups and a vibrant tapestry of religious and cultural traditions.

We host more than 15 annual cultural festivals, including the renowned Durbar Festival and the Tuk-Ham Festival. Our landscape is also dotted with important natural and historic attractions, including Matsirga Waterfalls, Kufena Hills and Kagini Resort.

Despite this rich potential, tourism currently contributes less than one per cent to Kaduna State’s gross domestic product. We regard this as a major yet underdeveloped investment opportunity for visionary investors seeking to partner with us in unlocking the economic potential of our cultural and natural heritage.

Distinguished guests, Kaduna State is open for business.

Our commitment to policy consistency and a reform-driven business environment earned Kaduna State second place nationally in the 2025 Subnational Ease of Doing Business Report.

I therefore formally invite investors, development partners and diplomatic missions to explore the abundant investment opportunities available across Kaduna State.

Furthermore, we pledge to remain active partners throughout your entire operational journey. Our dedicated investment-assistance teams will remain at your disposal to provide continuous post-investment support, helping you navigate local markets, access skilled talent and resolve operational challenges swiftly.

Your success is directly connected to our progress, and we shall treat your capital with the highest level of respect and responsibility.

We shall not regard you as temporary visitors, but as foundational partners in the construction of our economic architecture. Our doors, markets and regulatory frameworks are open to support and ensure your success.

Thank you for your kind attention.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

God bless the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

God bless Kaduna State.

Watch the full address: [YouTube Video Link]