By Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has initiated a new phase of international collaboration following a high-level meeting with investors and development partners under the Tunisia Consortium for African Development (TUCAD).
The strategic engagement, held at the Gombe Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, was attended by the Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mohsen Antit, and focused on unlocking investment opportunities across priority sectors central to the state’s development agenda.
Discussions centred on bankable projects in water and hydraulic infrastructure, renewable and conventional energy, transport systems, and sports infrastructure. The meeting also paved the way for a comprehensive technical and field mission to Gombe State by the consortium to identify, structure and commence implementation of joint projects.
The partnership was facilitated through the African Network Centre, SARL Limited, led by Alhaji Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, in line with the state government’s sustained efforts to attract credible international investors and technical partners to support its transformation drive.
Leading the TUCAD delegation, Vice President of the Consortium, Issam Ben Youssef, said the visit was aimed at aligning Tunisia’s technical expertise and investment capacity with Gombe State’s clearly articulated development priorities.
“Our objective is to deploy Tunisia’s proven experience in infrastructure, energy, water systems and industrial development to support Gombe State’s growth aspirations, while building sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships,” he stated.
Chief executive officers and senior executives of member firms within the consortium made detailed presentations highlighting their technical competencies, project portfolios and areas of specialisation, outlining practical frameworks for collaboration on high-impact and sustainable projects.
In his remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing a stable, transparent and investor-friendly environment that encourages long-term, value-driven investments.
He explained that the state has deliberately prioritised infrastructure expansion, renewable energy development, water security, industrialisation and human capital development as strategic pillars for economic diversification, job creation and inclusive growth.
“Gombe State is open for serious, value-driven investments, especially within the Africa-Africa cooperation model. Our development strategy is anchored on infrastructure, energy security, water sustainability, agriculture and industrial growth. We are keen to work with credible partners who share our vision,” the governor said.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya assured the delegation of the state government’s readiness to provide institutional support, policy backing and regulatory facilitation to ensure the smooth and timely execution of agreed projects.
The meeting culminated in the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Gombe State Government and the Tunisian Consortium, formalising key areas of collaboration and laying the groundwork for project development and implementation.
The MoUs were signed on behalf of the state government by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Sanusi Ahmed Pindiga, and the Commissioner for Environment, Water and Forest Resources, Mohammed Saidu Fawu.
Issam Ben Youssef and other chief executives signed for their respective firms within the consortium.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Zubair Muhammad Umar, signed as a witness for the government, while Alhaji Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe witnessed on behalf of the consortium.
The next phase of engagement will see the TUCAD team embark on a detailed technical and field assessment visit to Gombe State for project scoping, feasibility studies and accelerated transition from agreements to implementation.
The partnership is expected to strengthen Gombe State’s capacity in water supply, renewable energy deployment, transport infrastructure and urban services, while creating new opportunities for private sector-led growth, technology transfer and employment generation.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli.
