Kebbi State is deliberately positioning itself as one of Nigeria’s most compelling investment destinations, unveiling ambitious plans that place solid minerals, energy, agriculture, and logistics at the centre of its economic transformation agenda. At the heart of this strategy is a proposed gold refinery, a project expected to redefine the state’s industrial profile and unlock fresh inflows of foreign capital.
The refinery initiative, disclosed at a pre-investors’ engagement in Abuja ahead of the Kebbi Investment Summit scheduled for February 2026, signals a shift from raw resource extraction to value-added processing. According to officials of the Kebbi Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA), the project is designed to serve not just Nigeria but the wider West African sub-region, positioning Kebbi as a regional hub for refined gold exports.
Kebbi’s mineral potential is a central pillar of this investment narrative. The state hosts extensive gold deposits and ranks among the top producers nationwide. More significantly, a substantial portion of the Sokoto Basin, widely believed to contain vast oil and gas reserves, lies within its borders. This geological advantage places Kebbi in a unique position to emerge as a future energy and mining powerhouse, comparable to leading resource-based economies globally.
Interest from international investors is already translating into concrete discussions. A consortium from Dubai has indicated readiness to establish a gold refinery in the state, with plans to refine gold sourced not only locally but also from Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. Once operational, the refinery is expected to secure accreditation from the London Gold Market and Swiss authorities, a move that would instantly elevate Kebbi’s standing in the global precious metals value chain.
Beyond export earnings, state officials highlight the broader economic impact of the project. The refinery is projected to create significant employment opportunities, stimulate auxiliary industries, and engage young people in productive, formal economic activities, outcomes seen as critical to sustainable growth and long-term stability.
The investment drive extends well beyond mining. KIPA confirmed that 22 bankable investment proposals across energy, agriculture, mining, and transport have already been screened, with the goal of reaching financial close ahead of the main investment summit. This approach underscores a strong emphasis on execution, not just investor commitments.
Geography further strengthens Kebbi’s appeal. The state sits at Nigeria’s northwestern gateway to the West African market, with some international borders less than a kilometre away. This strategic location positions Kebbi as a natural logistics and trade corridor under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, particularly for investors focused on cross-border commerce, transport infrastructure, and regional supply chains.
Private sector players are already taking notice. Renewable energy firm Karlot Energy Ltd. has identified Kebbi as a priority investment destination, citing the state’s relative peace, stability, and enabling environment as decisive factors.
With its combination of abundant natural resources, strategic location, policy focus on value addition, and growing investor confidence, Kebbi is steadily redefining its economic narrative.
As the 2026 Investment Summit approaches, the state is presenting a clear message to global investors: Kebbi is open for business, ready for partnership, and prepared to play a leading role in Nigeria’s next phase of industrial and regional growth.
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