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.
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to rehabilitating and repositioning Nigeria’s dormant national refineries, declaring that the facilities will not be allowed to become stranded assets.
Tinubu was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Patience Oyekunle, at the 20th OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week in Lagos on Monday.
The President said the government is adopting a more rigorous and commercially sustainable approach to the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries.
“At the same time, the government remains committed to ensuring that existing national refining assets are not allowed to become stranded investments,” the statement said.
“We are pursuing a more rigorous, commercially sustainable approach to the rehabilitation and repositioning of our refineries, supported by technical assessment, stronger partnerships, and improved operational discipline.”
The objective, according to the administration, is for Nigeria to refine more of its crude oil, create greater domestic value and become a reliable supplier of energy to Africa.
The national refineries, managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), have remained largely inactive for years despite significant spending on turnaround maintenance. The NNPC has signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese firms as part of ongoing efforts to revive the facilities.
Tinubu also noted the contribution of private refining capacity, particularly the Dangote Refinery, which has reached its 650,000 barrels-per-day nameplate capacity, in strengthening Nigeria’s prospects of becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum products.
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