Gombe State’s ambitious drive toward industrialisation is winning praise from key players in the business community, following the ongoing development of the N22 billion Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park in Dadin Kowa.
Prominent industrialists have described the park as a strategic initiative that could redefine the economic future of not only Gombe State but the entire North-East region.
Leading a delegation of investors on a tour of the facility, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Isa described the park as “the best investment destination” in the region and a project that “will transform economic activities in the North-East.”
“This is a bold step that will transform economic activities across the Northeast,” Baba-Isa said. “Governor Yahaya has created the kind of enabling environment investors dream of. The park is already drawing attention, and I can assure you, its long-term impact will be massive.”
The industrial park, which is already hosting some operational companies while more continue construction, is drawing significant attention from sector stakeholders eager to invest in a region long seen as underutilised in terms of its economic potential.
Malam Sani Yau, Chairman of the Groundnut Oil Millers Association in Gombe State, said the park had already begun to attract serious interest from local businesses, including his association.
“With this park becoming operational, many of our members are preparing to scale up production,” he said. “We are already seeing companies setting up, and many more are under construction. This is a major milestone that will spark economic growth and significantly reduce unemployment.”
Yau also pointed to the potential of the industrial park to influence consumer prices positively. “The more we produce locally, the lower the cost of goods, especially those that can now be manufactured here. This is not just about growth—it’s about improving people’s everyday lives.”
He called on the state government to allocate a special section within the park for groundnut and rice millers, noting the sector’s potential to boost both local food security and export capacity. “Our association is particularly impressed with the infrastructure available, and we fully support the state’s move to transform Gombe into an industrial hub.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Alhaji Lawan Yusuf, Chairman of the Rice Processors Association in the state, said the industrial park could become a powerful catalyst for youth empowerment and economic stability.
“This industrial park is not just about factories; it’s about giving hope to thousands of young people,” Yusuf said. “If well-utilised, the park can take thousands of youths off the streets, create over 100,000 jobs, and ensure that Gombe remains secure and investment-friendly.”
Yusuf urged both local and international investors to seize the opportunity to contribute to the transformation underway in Gombe. “Governor Yahaya has done his part by providing the infrastructure. Now, it’s time for investors to come in and contribute to the economic prosperity of Gombe and the country at large,” he said.
The Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park is located near the strategic Dadin Kowa Dam, offering access to power and water for industries expected to operate in agro-processing, manufacturing, and logistics. The state government says the project is designed to stimulate investment, enhance productivity, and position Gombe as a key industrial player in Northern Nigeria.
As construction continues and companies begin operations, stakeholders say the park offers not just buildings and machinery, but real opportunities for communities, investors, and future generations.
