The Kwara State Government says it is strengthening the state’s investment climate through public-private partnerships, institutional reforms, digitalisation and improvements in the business environment.
The Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the State Ease of Doing Business Council (EODBC), Dr Hauwa Nuru, disclosed this in Ilorin at the 2026 Investment Summit organised by the Council.
Nuru explained that under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the state had been repositioned to create a more transparent, efficient and investor-friendly business environment.
She noted that the EODBC was established not only to improve government procedures relating to economic activities, but also to build investors’ confidence to invest, expand their businesses and succeed.
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According to Nuru, Kwara’s strategic location, coupled with the government’s investment in basic infrastructure, offered opportunities for investors seeking long-term growth and sustainable returns.
“Our gathering today is not simply another conference. It is a declaration of confidence in Kwara State. A confidence built on a clear vision, deliberate reforms and a growing determination to transform our enormous potential into measurable economic results,” Nuru maintained.
She highlighted opportunities across agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, solid minerals, logistics, renewable energy, healthcare, education, hospitality, real estate, technology and the creative economy.
“Across agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, solid minerals, logistics, renewable energy, healthcare, education, hospitality, real estate, technology and the creative economy, Kwara offers opportunities for investors seeking long-term growth and sustainable returns,” the Commissioner for Finance stressed.
Nuru pointed to the development of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone at Malete, industrial infrastructure and other emerging investment platforms as evidence of the state’s drive towards value addition, industrialisation and job creation.
“The development of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone at Malete, our industrial infrastructure, and other emerging investment platforms demonstrates a State that is moving deliberately towards value addition, industrialisation and job creation,” she stated.
The summit, themed “From Reforms to Results: Positioning Kwara as Nigeria’s Investment Destination,” featured speeches, paper presentations and panel discussions.
Participants included senior government officials, captains of industry, traditional rulers, leaders of market associations and the Trade Union Congress, as well as development partners.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, was represented by the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr Usman Abubakar Atolagbe Jos. The Onijagbo of Ijagbo, Oba Sharafadeen Adeniyi Buhari Babalola Ilufemiloye I, was also present.
In her presentation, the Commissioner for Communications, Bola Olukoju, highlighted the government’s investment in digital communication, noting that it had improved residents’ access to accurate and timely information.
Olukoju also pointed to the state’s efforts to make markets more accessible for digital-led investments, particularly by developing the skills required to participate in the digital economy.
“With 65% of Kwarans under 35 and 82% literacy, the state is building skill pipelines across the digital economy and working to connect graduates to real markets, not just certificates,” the Commissioner explained.
Chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KW-GIS), Alhaji Sulyman Abdulkareem, disclosed that the agency had so far processed 2,538 land applications.
Abdulkareem attributed the increase to reforms introduced by the state government to improve land administration and facilitate access to land for investment.
