President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, cautioned that poor economic planning by the Nigerian government poses a threat to the country’s growing population.

Speaking at the 2025 Taraba State International Investment Summit (TARAVEST) held in Jalingo, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Nigeria’s rising population is a matter of concern that requires an urgent restructuring and diversification of the national economy.

Tinubu, through Shettima, noted that Taraba, like other Nigerian states, is an agricultural powerhouse yet to be fully harnessed to secure the future of the nation’s economy.

Commending Governor Agbu Kefas for his vision to attract investors to Taraba, Shettima stated that the state is endowed with abundant mineral resources that need to be tapped for economic growth.

“The growing population of our country demands an immediate reshaping of the economy. We need to diversify and harness the agricultural potential of the country, especially in states like Taraba. The conversion of these resources into wealth would save Nigeria from the consequences of a population explosion.

“Agriculture is beyond the use of hoes. The wealth in Taraba is too vast to be reduced to mere statistics. The mining sector in the state also needs to evolve,” Shettima added.

Shettima also called for peace among Nigeria’s ethnic groups and emphasized that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu is committed to supporting local investment for wealth generation.

Earlier, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Mr. Tony Elumelu all emphasized the need to encourage domestic investment as a means to transform Nigeria and its economy.

Meanwhile, Governor Agbu Kefas stated that the goal of the summit is to attract both local and international investors to Taraba for capital and human development. (Nigerian Tribune)