Business
Trade Minister Visits Zamfara State, Lauds Governor Dauda Lawal’s economic and Investment drive
Jumoke Oduwole Praises Dauda Lawal as the Industry Minister applauds Zamfara’s investment drive, industrial growth and economic transformation efforts
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, paid a working visit to Zamfara State on Monday, July 13, 2026, where she commended Governor Dauda Lawal for his administration’s focused economic and investment drive.
Also read: Gov Dauda Lawal Flags Off 2026 Wet-Season Farming, Distributes 72,000 Bags of Free Fertiliser to Zamfara Farmers
During the courtesy visit at the Government House in Gusau, Dr Oduwole lauded the Governor’s strides in industrial development, noting that Zamfara is rapidly emerging as a viable destination for both local and international investors.
“The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is committed to supporting states that demonstrate clear visions for economic diversification. Zamfara, under Governor Lawal’s leadership, is showing that it means business,”
The Minister further stated that; the visit underscores the presidency’s ongoing commitment to strengthening subnational engagement across Nigeria. “As Chair of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers for Trade, I remain focused on driving inclusive continental trade and strengthening state-level partnerships.”
A major highlight of the discussions was the state’s ongoing infrastructure upgrades, particularly the Gusau International Airport project, which is expected to enhance connectivity and ease trade logistics.
The Minister also praised the recent commissioning of a $200 million lithium mining and processing plant, a landmark investment that marks Zamfara’s entry into the global critical-minerals value chain.
Governor Lawal reiterated his administration’s determination to create a business-friendly environment, attract foreign direct investment and generate employment opportunities for youth and women across the state.
The engagement marks a significant step in strengthening federal-state collaboration, with both parties agreeing to explore further partnerships in trade facilitation, industrial policy implementation and investment promotion.
Also read: Governor Dauda Lawal Commissions ZAM Lithium Processing Plant, Targets 2,000 Jobs, Local Value Addition
The visit underscores the growing momentum behind Zamfara’s economic transformation, as the state leverages its mineral wealth and strategic location to become a new frontier for sustainable growth in Northwest Nigeria.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has dismissed allegations that it appropriated the Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit (NDEIS) brand, insisting it lawfully obtained trademark acceptance for the name and will proceed with its 2026 summit as scheduled.
In a statement issued on September 12, 2026, the chamber described claims by Kunle Nwiwa Junior as “cheap blackmail, misleading, mischievous and a misrepresentation of the facts,” maintaining that it independently developed the summit and followed all required regulatory procedures.
According to NDCCITMA, it applied for and received a Trademark Acceptance Letter for the name Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit (NDEIS) in August 2025 under File No. NG/TM/O/2025/387284.
The chamber said the chronology of events contradicts allegations that it copied another party’s application, arguing that its trademark acceptance predated the period during which Nwiwa’s own application was reportedly still pending before the relevant authorities.
“Economic Summit” is a generic expression
NDCCITMA further argued that the phrase “Economic Summit” is a generic description widely used for conferences that bring together governments, investors, businesses, development institutions and other stakeholders to discuss investment and economic development.
The chamber maintained that while concepts may be widely used, legal protection only arises from recognised intellectual property rights, including duly registered trademarks and other enforceable proprietary interests.
It therefore rejected suggestions that any individual or organisation has exclusive ownership of the broader concept of an economic summit.
Court grants interim injunction
Addressing reports that the summit had been halted, NDCCITMA said the dispute is already before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt and that there is no court order restraining the event.
The chamber disclosed that in Suit No. FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026, Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam granted an interim injunction restraining the defendants—Kunle Nwiwa Junior and Keneva Consult Ltd.—from interfering with the planned summit.
According to NDCCITMA, the court also directed the defendants to remove publications, notices, petitions, social media posts and other statements allegedly considered damaging to the chamber’s name, integrity and reputation pending the hearing of its motion for interlocutory injunction.
The matter has been adjourned until September 22, 2026 for further hearing.
Chamber rejects ₦500 million demand claim
NDCCITMA also alleged that it had received a demand from Nwiwa Junior requesting ₦500 million as a condition for abandoning his claims over the summit.
The chamber said the demand was rejected, adding that it subsequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what it described as repeated harassment and threats directed at its officials.
It said the petition sought police intervention, including inviting the complainant for questioning and caution where necessary.
Summit opens September 15
Despite the legal dispute, NDCCITMA reaffirmed that the 2026 Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit will hold from September 15 to 17, 2026, at the Obi Wali Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The summit will be held under the theme “Driving Investment, Innovation & Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta” and is expected to bring together policymakers, investors, business leaders, development partners and industry stakeholders to discuss economic transformation across the region.
The chamber said it remains committed to promoting commerce, industry, trade, mining, agriculture and sustainable economic development throughout the Niger Delta while allowing the courts to determine all outstanding legal issues.
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