Yobe State has called on international investors to develop its 1.6 million hectares of arable land to drive economic diversification and job creation. The state government made the announcement during its presentation of an investment and development agenda at the 2026 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The move aims to attract foreign capital into the state’s agricultural sector, which remains a primary pillar for sustainable economic development. By opening up large tracts of land for commercial use, the government intends to transition from subsistence farming to industrial-scale agribusiness.
The state’s delegation presented these plans at the 2026 United Nations General Assembly in New York, where they engaged with global stakeholders to showcase Yobe’s untapped potential. The proposal focuses on attracting companies capable of managing large-scale crop production, irrigation, and agro-processing.
Agricultural commercialisation and regional growth
The scale of the land available provides an opportunity for large-scale commercial ventures, including livestock management and value-chain processing. The Yobe government expects that these investments will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, particularly for the state’s youth population. Specific attention is being given to the development of specialised agro-industrial zones to encourage integrated farming systems.
This investment drive is also intended to bolster food security within Nigeria and the wider Sahel region. By establishing modern farming techniques and processing facilities, Yobe seeks to position itself as a major contributor to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market. The government is particularly interested in attracting technology-driven agricultural firms that can implement precision farming to maximise yields.
For the Northeast region, which has faced economic challenges, the commercialisation of 1.6 million hectares could provide a necessary economic stabilizer. Expanding the agro-allied sector is expected to bring improved infrastructure, such as better roads and storage facilities, to rural areas, effectively integrating Yobe into broader national and continental trade routes.
The state government is now preparing to follow up on the interest generated in New York by establishing frameworks to facilitate investor entry. The success of the initiative depends on the government’s ability to provide a secure environment and clear regulatory guidelines for land tenure and large-scale agricultural operations.
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