The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on the Nigerian government to urgently tackle the country’s escalating security challenges, warning that foreign investors cannot be attracted to unsafe environments.
Speaking at the Taraba State International Investment Summit in Jalingo on Wednesday, the prominent traditional and spiritual leader emphasized that any efforts to lure investors to insecure areas would prove unrealistic.
The Sultan specifically praised Governor Agbu Kefas for significantly improving security conditions in Taraba State since assuming office, describing the transformation as remarkable compared to previous years.
“This program for today, for the development of Taraba, our spiritual and traditional leaders have always reached out to people, to our political leaders, to please do something and change the scenario. There have been very negative scenarios in the country in the past couple of years,” the Sultan stated.
He noted that while Taraba had previously experienced severe security challenges, recent developments under Governor Kefas have restored confidence in the state’s safety.
“In Taraba, it’s been that bad. But at least today, we have that confidence to say, yes, somebody somewhere is doing the right thing, being very pragmatic in handling the affairs of Taraba and everybody can come to Taraba peacefully and invest,” the Sultan observed.
Emphasizing the direct link between security and economic development, the traditional ruler stressed that no amount of incentives could attract investors to insecure locations.
“It’s important for us to know that no matter how much you try to lure people to come to your place, if there’s no security, they won’t come,” he warned.
The Sultan revealed that his discussions with Governor Kefas over the past two years had convinced him of the positive changes in Taraba’s security landscape, making the state more conducive for peaceful investment activities.
He concluded by affirming that traditional and religious leaders were present at the summit to provide moral and spiritual support for the governor’s efforts, recognizing the progress made in transforming the state’s security situation.
The comments come amid ongoing national concerns about insecurity affecting various regions across Nigeria, with traditional rulers increasingly vocal about the need for comprehensive solutions to attract investment and ensure economic growth.
