The Federal Government formally unveiled NIPC's Book of States at a launch ceremony in Abuja on 12 April 2021. The publication is a compendium of competitive advantages and key investment opportunities in each of Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, prepared by NIPC in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF).
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, said at the launch that the Book of States would help attract the right investments to Nigeria, improve productivity, create jobs, and generate revenue. 'The ministry appreciates that the work was fully supported and endorsed by all 36 governors, including the Minister of FCT,' he said, adding that Nigeria is collectively working to ensure it is properly positioned to provide first-hand information on the abundant opportunities and advantages across the nation.
NGF Chairman and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi — represented by NGF Director-General Asishana Okauru — noted that the initiative was timely to cushion the socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that according to the National Bureau of Statistics, capital importation fell by almost 60% from US$24 billion in 2019 to US$10 billion in 2020, and that this must be reversed in 2021. 'We must work together as Federal and State Governments to take capital importation back to 2019 levels, and use it as a launch pad for future growth,' he said. He also called for improved subnational development finance, better coordination across government, and coherence between fiscal and monetary policy.
NIPC's Executive Secretary/CEO, Ms Yewande Sadiku, described the Book of States as an important building block in NIPC's effort to support states in investment promotion. She thanked the NGF, the Ministry, and NIPC's Governing Council for their support. The document, which was released virtually in August 2020 and distributed to all ministries and foreign outposts, allows for a more effective matching of investors with states across Nigeria.
