Kebbi Governor Warns False Security Reports Threaten Investment Deals
The Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, has cautioned that persistent, inaccurate security reports circulating on social media are jeopardizing the state’s investment prospects. Speaking at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi during a visit from All Progressives Congress (APC) executives, Governor Idris emphasized that such misinformation portrays the state as unsafe, potentially undermining concrete economic initiatives.
Governor Idris explained that he has actively promoted Kebbi to international investors during recent foreign trips. However, he alleged that baseless claims about the security environment, spread by certain individuals, could deter these investors. “These reports create a false narrative that directly contradicts the reality on the ground and the opportunities we are presenting,” he stated, highlighting the direct link between perception and economic growth.
The governor cited two major prospective projects that exemplify Kebbi’s development trajectory: a lithium processing facility planned by Romanian investors and a cement factory backed by Chinese firms. He noted these projects are advanced in discussion and promise substantial job creation for residents, making the stability of the investment climate critical.
In a robust rebuttal, Governor Idris dismissed as “completely false” and politically motivated any suggestions that his administration is colluding with bandit groups or facilitating arms inflows into the state. He framed these accusations as part of the same misinformation campaign aimed at destabilizing the region.
The governor underscored his administration’s significant financial commitment to enhancing security across Kebbi. He urged residents to refrain from sharing unverified information, particularly on social media, stressing that such actions harm collective economic interests. “Our shared future depends on a truthful narrative that supports development, not one that scares away partners,” he added.
This public statement underscores the growing challenge of social media narratives impacting real-world economics in Nigeria’s states. For Kebbi, an agriculturally rich state with strategic mineral resources, managing its image is now integral to its economic strategy. The governor’s appeal highlights a tension between online discourse and offline development goals, with high-value foreign investments hanging in the balance. The resolution of this perceived security crisis—both in physical terms and in the information domain—will be closely watched by potential investors monitoring Nigeria’s northwest region.
