NESG pushes states to drive economic growth, development
Nigerian Economic Summit Group Calls for State Leadership in Economic Growth
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has urged state governments throughout the country to take an active role in fostering economic growth and development. The organization believes states can achieve this by harnessing their unique economic strengths, enhancing the investment climate, and creating job opportunities that promote shared prosperity.
This call comes in advance of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #32), set to take place in Abuja on October 26 and 27, 2026. The summit will be themed “Growth that Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity,” and aims to address strategies for subnational growth, regional value chains, and inclusive economic development under the “Scale Nigeria” initiative.
The NESG reported that economic activities within Nigeria are largely concentrated in cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt. In contrast, many states with significant agricultural, mineral, and tourism potential remain relatively underdeveloped. This concentration has resulted in infrastructure congestion in major urban areas, accompanied by increased migration from rural communities and the underutilization of available resources in other regions.
The group emphasized that each state has distinctive economic advantages that could contribute to national growth if supported by appropriate infrastructure, investment, and policies. For example, it highlighted Kebbi and Niger states for their rice production, Plateau for horticulture, Cross River for tourism and cocoa, Kano for trade and manufacturing, and Ondo and Delta for solid minerals and timber.
The summit will also focus on developing regional value chains by integrating production centers, processing facilities, transportation systems, and export markets to enhance economic activities nationwide.
Additionally, discussions will center on improving state investment climates through efficient land administration, clear regulations, investor-friendly policies, and enhanced governance. The NESG asserted that infrastructure development—including roads, rail networks, electricity, digital connectivity, and water supply—is essential for achieving balanced economic growth.
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group described the summit as a crucial platform for building consensus and crafting policies that ensure economic growth is inclusive and beneficial across all parts of the federation.
