?The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has reaffirmed the National Assembly's commitment to protecting and supporting domestic investors who drive industrialization and local production in Nigeria.

Speaking on Saturday at the official inauguration of Simkay Foods Limited’s new maize flour and maize grits processing plant located within the Zazzau Industrial Park and Industries (ZIPI) in Zaria, Kaduna State, Abbas urged local and international businesses to invest confidently in the country's manufacturing sector.

?Emphasizing that food security is directly linked to national security, the Speaker highlighted the strategic importance of transitioning from raw agricultural exports to local processing.

He noted that processing raw maize locally retains economic value within the country, reduces post-harvest losses, stabilizes market prices, and guarantees a reliable market for local farmers.

Speaker Abbas pointed out that the facility strengthens the broader agricultural value chain—boosting income for rural farmers, driving direct and indirect employment for youth, and advancing the economic transformation of the North West region.

?Addressing the role of legislative support, Speaker Abbas stated that the House of Representatives will continue to create a business-friendly environment through targeted legislation and active oversight.

He cited recent tax reforms designed to favor local manufacturers and noted that key regional infrastructure projects, such as the North West Development Commission and the AKK gas pipeline, will further boost northern industrial capacity.

The Speaker also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's economic reform agenda and praised the Kaduna State Government for fostering an environment conducive to private sector investment.