Project 774 Network Backs Yilwatda, Says States Hold Key to Tinubu’s $1 Trillion Economy Vision

By Ladan Muhammad Nasidi

The Nationalist Magazine Team urges stronger federal-state collaboration, highlighting investments in seaports, electricity, agriculture, solid minerals and industrial development as critical drivers of economic growth.

The Nationalist Magazine Team of Project 774 Network has expressed support for the position of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, that state governments have a critical role to play in translating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s $1 trillion economy vision into tangible economic benefits for Nigerians.

The team said the success of the ambitious economic target would depend not only on federal policies and infrastructure but also on the ability of state governments to connect national development projects with local production, industrialisation, investment and job creation.

In a recent broadcast, Yilwatda outlined an integrated economic development vision built around deep seaports, highways, railways, gas pipelines, electricity, solid minerals, agriculture and industrial zones.

According to him, federal infrastructure can provide the foundation for economic expansion, but state and local governments must ensure that farms, factories, markets, businesses and workers are effectively connected to these facilities.

Reacting to the position in an interview with The Nationalist Magazine, the National Coordinator of Project 774 Network, Muhammad Ibrahim, and the National Secretary, DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel (Rtd), said the organisation welcomed the emphasis on collaboration between the federal and state governments.

The team noted that governors across the country were pursuing various initiatives in maritime infrastructure, electricity generation, agricultural development, mineral processing and investment promotion that could contribute to the broader national economic agenda.

According to communityPen,Gumel, who also serves as the Jigawa State Coordinator of the Security and Intelligence Committee of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), said the $1 trillion economy ambition should be treated as a national development programme whose success would depend substantially on implementation at the state level.

“Across party lines, governors are pursuing projects that speak to parts of this agenda. Their initiatives vary in scale and maturity. Some facilities are operating; others have received approvals, investor commitments or feasibility support. That distinction matters. An announcement is a beginning; lasting economic value depends on financing, construction, operation and measurable benefits for citizens,” he said.

The Project 774 Network team identified maritime infrastructure and transport corridors as important components of the country’s economic development strategy.

In Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is consolidating the Ibeju-Lekki growth corridor around the operational Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Lekki Free Trade Zone, industrial investments and supporting road infrastructure.

The team said the corridor demonstrates the potential of maritime infrastructure to attract manufacturing, logistics, transportation and other commercial activities.

In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun is advancing plans for the proposed Olokola Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Economic Zone in Ogun Waterside. The project could create additional opportunities for international trade if planning, approvals, financing and supporting transport infrastructure progress to implementation.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has also advanced the proposed Port of Ondo through an agreement signed in March 2026, with the state retaining an equity interest. The administration has linked the port proposal to plans for a petrochemical and fertiliser complex.

Similarly, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno’s administration has reviewed the feasibility report for the proposed Ibom Deep Sea Port with project partners, focusing on implementation milestones, financing options and a clear delivery timetable.

In Cross River State, Governor Bassey Otu is pursuing the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport and a road corridor intended to improve connections between coastal communities, northern Cross River and neighbouring states.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri is working with federal and private-sector partners on the proposed Agge Deep Seaport, while Abia State Governor Alex Otti has approved an accelerated feasibility study for the proposed Azumini-Obeaku Seaport and Inland Waterways Corridor.

According to the team, the proposed projects could expand access to international markets and strengthen regional trade. However, their economic benefits would depend on effective coordination with roads, railways, utilities, customs facilities and industrial centres.

The team stressed that state governments must also address land acquisition, environmental assessments, community engagement and other requirements necessary for successful project implementation.

The team also identified dependable electricity as a fundamental requirement for achieving the $1 trillion economy target.

Gumel said energy infrastructure, including the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano gas pipeline, could support electricity generation, fertiliser production and industrial development across northern Nigeria.

He noted that ongoing electricity-sector reforms were creating opportunities for states to develop local electricity markets and pursue solutions suited to their economic needs.

Bayelsa State has commissioned a 60-megawatt gas-fired independent power plant, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma is developing a state electricity market through the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission and engagement with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has supported an 11.9-megawatt solar mini-grid at Bolo in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency.

Gumel said such initiatives demonstrated different approaches to expanding electricity supply but emphasised that generation capacity alone would not guarantee economic progress.

“These efforts show different ways to expand supply,” he said. “But success will be measured by reliable service, fair prices, sound regulation and electricity reaching businesses, schools, health facilities and communities. Generating capacity must be matched with distribution systems and safeguards for consumers.”

He added that reliable and affordable electricity would be essential for manufacturing, small businesses, agricultural processing and other productive activities.

The Project 774 Network team said Nigeria’s solid mineral resources could contribute significantly to economic diversification if extraction activities were supported by local processing, skilled employment, environmental protection and community development.

In Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule has supported an investment reported at $250 million for a lithium mining and processing plant in Endo, Nasarawa Local Government Area. The facility was reported to have been commissioned in July 2026, with a stated processing capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes daily.

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has also supported a reported $200 million lithium mining and processing plant at Boko Village in Zurmi Local Government Area.

His administration has emphasised lawful mining operations, employment opportunities, skills transfer, environmental standards and community development.

In Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has promoted a broader mining development strategy through the Kaduna Mining Development Company, with efforts to encourage lithium processing and other mineral investments.

Gumel said the long-term value of such projects would depend on transparent monitoring and their ability to generate sustainable economic benefits for host communities.

He stressed that mineral development should go beyond extracting and exporting raw materials to building domestic processing capacity, creating skilled jobs and strengthening local industries.

Jigawa State featured prominently in the team’s assessment of how state-level policies could support President Tinubu’s economic ambition.

Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi is pursuing an economic development strategy that combines agriculture, renewable energy, industrialisation and private-sector investment.

The state’s 2024–2030 Agriculture Policy outlines an investment-oriented approach to food and nutrition security, employment generation, agribusiness development and increased private-sector participation.

The policy builds on Jigawa’s production of wheat, rice, sesame and hibiscus while seeking to expand processing capacity and improve access to higher-value domestic and international markets.

The state presented its investment strategy at the second Jigawa Economic and Investment Summit, J-INVEST 2026, held in Dutse in July.

According to InvestJigawa, the summit’s deal room recorded approximately $140 million in investment commitments across renewable energy, a proposed hotel and convention centre in Dutse, and livestock development.

The summit also featured a commitment to a 100-megawatt solar power plant, smallholder agricultural financing and proposed private investment in wheat and sesame value chains.

Gumel, however, cautioned that investment commitments must translate into funded projects, operational businesses and measurable economic benefits before their full impact can be assessed.

At the summit, the Bank of Agriculture unveiled a Renewed Hope Smallholder Financing Fund for Jigawa farmers, alongside plans to deploy 100 subsidised tractors.

In October 2026, the Jigawa State Executive Council approved ₦7.465 billion for agricultural mechanisation equipment and an integrated Agricultural Hub.

The approved package includes 100 four-wheel-drive tractors and associated implements. The proposed hub is expected to provide equipment servicing, farmer training, agricultural input storage, produce aggregation and post-harvest support.

The state’s agricultural development plans also include livestock processing and trade infrastructure.

J-INVEST highlighted the proposed transformation of the Maigatari International Livestock Market into a modern livestock exchange equipped with feedlots, certified abattoirs, and meat and dairy processing facilities.

The summit also identified a proposed Mega Rice Export Processing Zone and Maigatari dry port as potential infrastructure projects to support industrial development and trade.

Gumel said the next phase would be to ensure that the investment interest generated by these initiatives translates into practical economic outcomes.

“The next measure of progress will be whether investment interest becomes funded facilities, operating businesses and predictable markets for producers,” he said.

He added that Jigawa’s experience illustrated how state governments could connect agricultural production with financing, renewable energy, processing facilities and export opportunities.

However, he stressed that sustained implementation, transparent project monitoring and effective partnerships with farmers, investors and host communities would remain essential.

The team also highlighted the roles of Niger and Kano states in expanding agricultural production, agro-industrial development and commercial activity across northern Nigeria.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has prioritised large-scale agriculture and agro-industrial development, with initiatives covering mechanisation, irrigation, agro-processing and value-chain facilities, including shea processing.

These efforts, the team said, could help increase agricultural output, reduce post-harvest losses and improve access to domestic and export markets.

In Kano State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is pursuing initiatives to strengthen the state’s commercial position through market modernisation, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, industrial-estate improvements, agro-processing and export-oriented production.

The team said improved electricity supply, gas-based industrial development, fertiliser production and stronger road and rail connections could further reinforce Kano’s manufacturing base and access to markets across northern Nigeria and the Sahel.

Gumel noted that achieving these opportunities would require adequate infrastructure, dependable electricity, improved security, prepared industrial land and predictable business regulations.

The Project 774 Network team said the projects identified across the country reflected a broader pattern of economic development involving maritime gateways in southern Nigeria, energy and industrial corridors linking regions, mineral processing in resource-rich states, and agricultural production across the federation.

However, Gumel stressed that the success of the national economic vision must be assessed through measurable results rather than announcements alone.

“Cooperation between federal and state governments can connect these assets, while local participation can help ensure that growth reaches communities. Recognition should follow evidence of delivery,” he said.

He explained that feasibility studies must lead to bankable project designs, while memoranda of understanding and investment commitments must progress to financing, construction and operations.

Similarly, power plants must deliver reliable electricity, mining projects must demonstrate environmental safeguards and community benefits, and agricultural programmes must provide farmers with practical access to financing, storage, processing and markets.

The team also identified security, transparent approvals, protection of land and property rights, predictable taxation and responsible investment incentives as important factors in creating an attractive business environment.

It added that effective coordination between federal agencies and state governments would be necessary to ensure that seaports connect to roads and railways, gas infrastructure supports industrial users, and state electricity markets operate under appropriate technical and consumer protections.

For Project 774 Network, the ultimate test of the $1 trillion economy vision will be whether its benefits reach Nigerians across the country’s 774 Local Government Areas.

Gumel said the impact of economic policies should be reflected in practical improvements in people’s lives, including better access to electricity, increased agricultural productivity, employment opportunities, efficient transportation and greater value from local resources.

“A factory with reliable power, a farmer able to reach an aggregation or processing centre, a young person gaining skilled work, a transporter moving goods more efficiently, and communities receiving fair value from the resources around them—these are the kinds of outcomes that will show whether the vision is working,” he said.

He added that Yilwatda’s position placed state governments at the centre of efforts to translate President Tinubu’s economic ambition into practical development outcomes.

According to him, the Federal Government is laying policy and infrastructure foundations, while governors are expected to connect these foundations to the economic strengths and investment opportunities of their respective states.

Gumel maintained that sustained cooperation, responsible investment and accountable project implementation could help turn the $1 trillion economy target into a broader programme of production, trade, employment and shared prosperity.

For the Project 774 Network Nationalist Magazine Team, he said, the measure of success would ultimately be the extent to which these initiatives deliver functioning infrastructure, productive businesses, sustainable jobs and tangible benefits for citizens across Nigeria.

LADAN NASIDI