By Ameh Gabriel
In a high-level diplomatic briefing held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, unveiled key highlights of the upcoming Taraba State International Investment Summit (TARAVEST), scheduled to hold on May 21, 2025. The summit, themed “Unlocking Taraba’s Investment Potentials – Advancing Agriculture, Energy, Mining and Industrialization (AEMI) for Sustainable Growth and Development,” is expected to attract top-tier local and international investors to Nigeria’s northeastern heartland.
Addressing members of the diplomatic corps and development partners, Governor Kefas emphasized Taraba State’s readiness to welcome investors through a robust investment and regulatory framework, attractive tax incentives, and assurances of security and policy continuity.
“We are creating an enabling environment for investors. Taraba offers untapped potential in solid minerals such as gold and uranium, vast agricultural resources, and immense tourism opportunities,” Governor Kefas stated. “Our administration is committed to honoring agreements and working with development agencies to facilitate growth. The state remains one of Nigeria’s safest for investment, with structures in place to ensure investor protection.”
He further disclosed that in the last two years, Taraba State had achieved a remarkable record of zero major security incidents, making it an increasingly stable environment for business growth.
A key focus of the upcoming summit is showcasing Taraba’s vast agricultural potential. “With 44,000 square kilometers of arable land, we are ripe for large-scale agricultural investment,” the governor said. “But the opportunities don’t end with farming our vision includes expanding into agribusiness, processing, logistics, and export.”
Representing the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Anderson Madubike, Director of Trade and Investment at the Ministry, reiterated the Federal Government’s support for the summit, describing TARAVEST as a vital platform for advancing the economic agenda of both Taraba State and Nigeria at large.
“This summit aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Ministry’s 4Ds Diplomacy Framework: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora,” Madubike said. “TARAVEST provides a golden opportunity for diplomatic missions and international stakeholders to explore the diverse investment prospects in Taraba.”
He described the summit as a strategic gathering of governments, private sector players, and civil society stakeholders united by a common vision of economic integration, empowerment, and sustainable development.
“Taraba State is truly nature’s gift to Nigeria. From agriculture to mining, and from energy to tourism, the possibilities are endless. The summit aims not only to attract capital but also to bring in expertise, innovation, and global partnerships,” Madubike added.
Also speaking at the briefing, the Chairman of the TARAVEST Organizing Committee, Mr. Ndudi Elumelu, echoed the governor’s points, emphasizing the summit’s focus on key enablers such as regulatory reforms, investor incentives, infrastructure, safety, and policy continuity.
“The summit will spotlight Taraba’s economic strengths and present actionable investment opportunities to the world,” Elumelu said. “This is a call to action for stakeholders and investors to be part of Taraba’s transformation story.”
TARAVEST 2025 is poised to position Taraba State as a leading destination for investment in agriculture, renewable energy, mining, tourism, and industrial development, aligning local opportunities with global development goals.
