Katsina to partner NNDC for economic transformation
The Katsina State Government has reaffirmed its willingness to partner with the Northern Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) in repositioning the state to greatness through strategic economic collaboration. The Deputy Governor, Faruq Lawal Jobe, gave this assurance when he received the Chairman of the Governing Board of NNDC, Lamis Shehu Dikko, on behalf of the State Governor and Chairman of the North West Governors’ Forum, Mr Dikko Umaru Radda, during a courtesy visit.
Speaking during the meeting, the Deputy Governor expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the partnership, stating: “With the support of the NNDC, Katsina State can do more economically.”
Recounting the state’s achievements in renewable energy, Mr Faruq Jobe noted: “The state government has done well in the alternative energy through solar powered, saying government is still doing more. The state government has approved for the generation of additional ten megawatt of solar powered electricity in the state.”
The Deputy Governor commended the NNDC Chairman’s presentation, saying: “The speech of the NNDC chairman addresses most of the concerns and brought out issues that should be of concern to the States within the North States for them to transform their economy.”
Emphasising the agricultural potential of the region, Mr Jobe declared: “Agriculture alone is enough to take the entire region to the promised land. This potential existed in addition to the abundant mineral resources.”
While congratulating Mr Lamis Dikko on his appointment as NNDC Chairman, Mr Jobe expressed optimism that his vast experience from both public and private life would transform the economy of the northern region. Speaking earlier, the NNDC Chairman explained that the visit represented a deliberate effort to engage in meaningful dialogue on strategic initiatives that align with the economic transformation and development aspirations of Katsina State and the broader Northwest region.
Mr Lamis said, “NNDC stands firmly ready and fully committed to offering strategic investment opportunities that will breathe new life into the economy of Katsina State and the entire Northwest region through the innovative businesses we are passionately promoting.”
He identified key sectors for collaboration, noting that these transformative ventures span critical and high-impact sectors including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and energy—sectors that hold immense and untapped potential for massive job creation, accelerated industrialization, and substantial wealth generation for our people.
Mr Lamis specifically commended Governor Radda’s administration for several landmark achievements, including: ground-breaking solar and hydropower project, especially the $500 million clean energy investment deal with the UK-based Genesis Energy Holding. The NNDC boss also praised the revolutionary approach to IT infrastructure development, particularly the establishment of the Katsina Directorate of Information and Communications Technology, which has already trained thousands of youths, and the commitment to good governance and steadfast dedication to delivering ‘Building Your Future’ campaign promises.
“Let me once again reaffirm NNDC’s absolute readiness to actively participate in Katsina State Government’s transformative projects and to work collaboratively in promoting sustainable businesses across the Northwest region and the North as a whole,” Mr Lamis stressed.
The meeting, held at the State Government House, Katsina, brought together key government officials and representatives from the NNDC.
