Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged subnational governments to leverage their unique competitive advantages to drive economic transformation.

Mr Shettima made the call on Friday in Calabar during the sixth African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference 2026.

He stressed the need to strengthen state governments, noting that regional prosperity depended on local leaders converting untapped potential into bankable investment opportunities.

He stated, “At the state, provincial, county and municipal levels, roads connect producers to markets, electricity powers industries, and agricultural resources are transformed into valuable products.

“Businesses create opportunities, and communities experience the benefits of economic growth. National policies and continental frameworks provide direction, but their success depends significantly on subnational action.”

Mr Shettima described states and regions as more than administrative units, saying they are economic actors, investment destinations, production centres and gateways to regional and continental markets.

“We must continue to strengthen the capacity of our states to identify their competitive advantages, develop investment-ready projects, attract private capital and build partnerships.

“These partnerships must deliver sustainable economic outcomes,” he added.

Earlier, Cross River State Governor,  Bassey Otu, said the conference held significant economic and social importance for the state.

He said Cross River State became the second Nigerian subnational government to host the event, after Lagos State hosted it in 2022.

Mr Otu recalled that AfSNET was established through the facilitation of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to promote regional integration.

He said the network was designed to harness Africa’s economic strengths and reduce the continent’s economic and trade dependence.

He added, “Since its main focus is intra-African trade and economic diversification, we need to ensure that our cash crops and rare earth minerals are processed here in Africa. The commodities should also move freely across borders to other African countries.Our farmers and miners should reap the benefits of adding value to their products.”

(NAN)