Tag: Nasarawa State

  • FULL TEXT: Nasarawa State Governor’s Exclusive Interview with Abuja Editors Forum

    FULL TEXT: Nasarawa State Governor’s Exclusive Interview with Abuja Editors Forum

    Michael Onjewu, Abuja

    EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH GOV. A.A. SULE OF NASARAWA STATE HELD AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE LAFIA, ON FRIDAY, 18 OCTOBER 2024

    In this exclusive interview, Governor Sule spoke with the Abuja Editors Forum, who visited the state for an on-the-spot assessment of projects undertaken by the state government since 2019.

    Q: What are you doing to encourage solid mineral development in Nasarawa State?

    Gov. Sule: Well, thank you very much. First and foremost, let me welcome you to Nasarawa State. I’m happy that you have come, and we are glad that you selected Nasarawa State to be the first place for your visit.

    We are never shy about taking a position. I think you need to understand the background of how this initiative came about. I’ve informed people that I was the Group Managing Director of Dangote Refinery.

    While I was in Lagos, I had the opportunity, actually, of being informed or invited to run for the office of the Governor. At the initial stage, I was a bit uncomfortable with the invitation because I didn’t trust politicians, and I didn’t want to be invited only for them to take my money and send me away. So, I was worried. But when we finally made the decision that I would take on the challenge, one of the things we did was invite my good friend, Kunle Elebute, from KPMG, to carry out a comprehensive survey and study of Nasarawa State. I will not claim that I knew Nasarawa State that well. After studying in the U.S. and working there, I didn’t live much in Nasarawa State. So, Kunle Elebute and his team spent six months conducting a comprehensive survey. One of the things they mentioned is something you pointed out: that one of the richest states in the Federation is Nasarawa State, with great potential.

    They also informed me about the area that I know very well—oil and gas. They said, as a matter of fact, there is a presence of hydrocarbons in Nasarawa State, and yet nothing has been done. They mentioned solid minerals, precious metals, and agriculture. I became more and more excited. This is just a little background for you to know that we didn’t enter into this by accident; it was a result of the study.

    I’m happy that you visited that site because, as you mentioned, the marble there is impressive. You would have been even more excited if you had gone to the site of our lithium processing plant, which we did not visit. There are also tin operations that I didn’t hear you mention. These solid mineral factories are being duplicated across the state, and more companies are coming in to invest in the solid minerals sector right now.

    We pride ourselves on being the state housing the biggest lithium processing plant in the country. However, in reality, there is another one coming that is bigger than ours, also in Nasarawa State. These are the kinds of developments happening.

    We have also invested heavily in agriculture. I would have been happier if you had visited our agricultural farm. Abdullahi Adamu, our first executive governor, has a farm of about 3,000 hectares. We have our own 10,000 hectares belonging to the state government. We have already started harvesting rice. It would have been exciting if you had visited that. We have not even signed any MoU with any buyer; instead, we are focused on harvesting the rice. We are keeping it in the warehouse, forming a pyramid of rice, and then making the announcement. My background from the private sector is to make less noise and focus on productivity so that people will see our actions rather than just hear our words.

    Q: How do you intend to ensure the sustainability of the Nasarawa State Vocational and Technology Center in Lafia?

    Gov. Sule: I am very interested in skill acquisition. Everything we do in Nasarawa State stems from our vision for the state. My parents couldn’t afford to send me to school in America, so I went on a scholarship. When I arrived in the United States on scholarship in 1980, by 1982, Plateau State was already having challenges with the MPN Center, and we were not receiving our scholarships.

    But I attended technical school and studied welding. Some of my classmates at the university, who were not getting their scholarships, had to abandon their studies. However, because I studied welding, I got a job as a welder at Alcoa. I didn’t skip school for one day; I went to school in the morning and worked at Alcoa in the evening. This was possible because I had a skill. That is my first motivation.

    My second motivation was when we at Dangote decided to construct the refinery you see today at Epe, Lagos. When the whole program started—with the silos, the distillation unit, and some of the most sophisticated and expensive equipment—the manufacturers insisted that they needed skilled and certified technicians. We needed to go to India because we couldn’t find enough in Nigeria.

    Dangote imported 4,000 technicians from India. We are the only ones qualified and deployed because nobody would have that kind of installation unit and allow an unqualified mechanic to work on it. This is my second motivation. This is why I said that if I become the governor of Nasarawa State, we will produce skilled citizens who will be ready for employment when another Dangote is looking for 4,000 skilled artisans. At least we can say we in Nasarawa State have 500 technicians; go and find the other 3,500 elsewhere. This is my motivation and my dream. We have many graduates with various degrees but no skills. This is the skill development they need.

    When I was managing director of African Petroleum, one of the things we observed was that employees with secondary school certificates didn’t know what to do with the N15 million or N20 million given to them upon retirement because they lacked skills.

    So now, in Nasarawa State, we have pre-retirement skill acquisition programs so that when people retire, they receive their money and have the skills to set up a welding shop, a fabrication shop, a carpentry shop, or an agricultural mechanization shop—something they can do. When they remain idle, some people will take the money and marry a second or third wife, leading to more trouble and more children, which ultimately depletes their funds. But if they use their money based on the skills they have, they become more useful post-retirement. We are doing this for both youth and the elderly.

    Q: Are there more initiatives you intend to implement towards women and youth empowerment?

    Gov. Sule: Of course, we are committed to doing a lot more. The Vice President was here to launch, for the first time in the country, the Gender Document of our administration. It is all about women and is part of the Human Capital Development Agency, chaired by the Deputy Governor. All these initiatives are geared towards helping women.

    Nasarawa State is a pacesetter when it comes to women taking the lead in leadership and careers. For the first time, a woman is the Chief Justice of Nasarawa State, and for the first time, we have a woman as Vice Chancellor of the University. This is part of my administration’s vision to empower women, and the reason is that I have had some very important women who played key roles in my life, and I have seen their impact.

    One of those women is Ndi Okereke, former Director-General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Since she left, something has happened to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, largely due to the charisma and honesty she brought to the job. I have great respect for women professionals. During our investment summit, Amina Mohammed from the United Nations woke up early to participate virtually. During the last United Nations General Assembly in New York, I approached her to thank her, and she said she would do anything for Nasarawa because she believes we are one of the most serious states. So, of course, we are doing everything we can for women, and the more women that come forward, the more opportunities we will continue to provide.

    Q: What motivates you to focus on the provision of rural infrastructure across the state?

    Gov. Sule: I am a rural dweller. I come from a village, and I grew up in a village. I understand village life. But to be honest, one of the most important things is that the wealth of Nasarawa State is in the villages. The wealth is not in the cities. The farming areas and the minerals we are discussing are located in the villages. Therefore, the activities that will truly bring wealth to Nasarawa State are in the villages. One of the things we must do is empower the villages to foster a sense of belonging. Our administration is committed to inclusivity.

    We don’t want anyone to be left out—youth, women, or the elderly; everyone is included. That’s why we are providing training and skill acquisition for young people who have just graduated from school, and we are also doing it for those who are retiring. We want the entire value chain to be incorporated.

    I wish you had visited Farin Ruwa, a purely agricultural area. There, we have a dam that has the capacity to generate power, but there was no road to the area. So we had to construct a full-fledged asphalt road to unlock all the potential in that area. The wealth is indeed in our rural areas.

    Q: How do you want to be remembered as the fourth executive governor of Nasarawa State?

    Gov. Sule: Well, I want to be remembered as someone who truly believes in the state—someone who came into the state with a sense of humility, honesty, and prudent management of resources; a leader by example who came to bring out all the prospects of the state and convert those prospects into wealth for the benefit of the good people of Nasarawa State.

    So that’s how I want to be remembered—as someone who believes in establishing the structures necessary for the development of the state, from the civil service to public service, all the way to our rural areas. A leader who wants everybody to feel a sense of belonging.

    Q: Where do you get the funding for all these infrastructural projects across the state, given that Nasarawa is among those receiving the least allocation from the government?**

    Gov. Sule: We are among the states receiving the least allocation from the federal government. However, that doesn’t make us the poorest state. We are one of the states with the greatest potential in human and capital resources. We have mineral resources, oil, and gas. I wish you had also visited Obi Local Government Area, where oil drilling is currently taking place. Our state is one of only three states where oil exploration is happening. For this reason, Nasarawa State cannot be poor.

    We are not borrowing money in Nasarawa State to execute projects. Since I came in, we have not gone to the bank to borrow money. This is a mentality I brought from the private sector; we should not rely on borrowing. I decided to close all loopholes. There is a lot of money in Nasarawa State, especially in revenue, but there are also many leakages. Our aim is to block these leakages, but we still have a long way to go in terms of revenue generation for the state.

    We also explore other sources of revenue. One advantage we have is our proximity to the FCT. You will see many projects motivated by our closeness to the capital, especially in relation to housing. These projects are targeted at wealthy individuals living in the FCT, encouraging them to come to Nasarawa. That is one of our strategies.

    When we came in 2019, our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) was N7.7 billion; today, it is over N20 billion annually. We are also generating between N1.3 billion and N1.7 billion monthly.

    We have also approached the federal government to see how we can access more revenues aside from our statutory allocation. Whenever there is a grant from the World Bank or IMF, Nasarawa State is always involved. That is why we are number one in the first disbursement of NGCares. We received more money in the second disbursement than in the first. If you look at all the various interventions from the World Bank, Nasarawa State is there.

    Most of the rural roads you see today are funded with money sourced externally. That’s how we are acquiring many of the resources that are going into health, education, and so on.

    Q: What is your administration doing in terms of investment in housing, and why has it become difficult to relocate roadside traders and bus drivers to approved markets and parks?

    Gov. Sule: The media often holds me back. The moment you take certain actions, people say, “Oh, the Nasarawa State Governor is heartless.” They point out that there are no jobs in the country and that those who are just trying to make a living by the roadside are being arrested. However, we are currently doing a lot on this highway. We have been clearing illegal traders and motor parks along the road, but you clear them today, and they come back tomorrow.

    Other options we are exploring include tolling the road and constructing a rail line that can connect Keffi to Apo. One of the reasons I went to China recently was to explore the possibility of establishing a toll road or a bridge that will take off from Nyanya to Masaka.

    These ideas are promising, but as one Nollywood star said, a wonderful idea without funding is no idea at all. That is what we are examining.

    Regarding housing, we have developed 200 hectares of land in Masaka into a housing peninsula. The houses there are partially completed, and prospective buyers are expected to finish them and move in.

    There is another housing estate called Technology Village on your way to Gurku, known as Race Course. Another 200 hectares of land is being developed there. Customs officers have taken about 100 houses upon commissioning. Another major housing project initiated by my predecessor, Tanko Almakura, is called Gunku Kabusu. This area connects Mbappe to Maitama. We are already in advanced talks with the FCT Minister to provide access roads in the area, as the road will benefit both parties.

    We will provide sites and services for 13,000 hectares of land. Our role is to provide the infrastructure—roads, electricity, and water—so prospective investors can select 1,000 hectares or 500 hectares to build estates similar to those in Lagos. However, all of this requires funding to achieve. We, as a state, must manage resources in such a way that all sectors receive the necessary attention.

    Q: Can you briefly tell us what your administration has done regarding security, pensions, gratuities, teacher welfare, and employment of teachers, among other issues?

    Gov Sule: Security is the backbone of everything, and that’s why we addressed security head-on upon my arrival. The first step was to ensure security with our neighbors and within the state. A little over a month after I took office, there were significant issues regarding herder-farmer clashes.

    The TIV community exists in both Benue and Nasarawa states, which has led to tensions with the Fulani. Remember, the Benue State government enacted a law prohibiting open grazing, which is not the case in Nasarawa State. This discrepancy created many challenges in managing tensions between farmers and herders. Therefore, the first thing we did upon taking office was to reduce the tensions between farmers and herders, allowing our people to return to their farms freely. We have also invested significantly in internal security because we needed a situation where people would feel safe and comfortable. Additionally, we have introduced technology into our security measures.

    Education is another area we cannot overlook. We started with a baseline survey to determine what needs to be done in the sector. I established an independent committee made up of experts from the Federal University. I opted for a federal university to avoid state influence. I became concerned about the state of education in the north because whenever the ten worst states in terms of education are mentioned, the north is always at the forefront, while southern states dominate the top ten best states.

    We conducted a baseline survey to identify our challenges, and we’ve been addressing them. We found several issues, including curriculum, infrastructure, and teacher quality.

    If we employ 10,000 teachers, I don’t think that will be sufficient. Additionally, the quality of the schools is another major concern.

    When I took office, I found a polytechnic established with none of the accredited courses being technical in nature. The courses offered were Economics, Political Science, International Relations, and so on. I have nothing against those courses, but the essence of a polytechnic is to be multi-technic.

    Therefore, we must achieve multi-technic accreditation. Today, we are pleased to have at least five technical courses that are accredited.

    I always credit the management that helped us prepare for this. Accreditation takes a lot of effort, including bringing in quality resources, personnel, tools, and facilities. Our administration has also established several technical institutions, including the creation of the Faculty of Engineering in Gudi.

    Q: Thank you for your time, Your Excellency.

    Gov. Sule: Thank you.

  • Gov Sule Reaffirms Commitment to Empowering Women and Youth in Nasarawa State

    Gov Sule Reaffirms Commitment to Empowering Women and Youth in Nasarawa State

    By Michael Onjewu, Abuja

    Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering women and youth through various initiatives to foster inclusivity and skill development.

    The governor made this commitment during a media briefing with members of the Abuja Editors Forum at the Government House in Lafia, the state capital. The editors visited the state for an on-the-spot assessment of the administration’s projects and programs since 2019.

    Sule said his administration launched the state’s Gender Document, marking a significant step in promoting women’s leadership and participation in governance.

    “Nasarawa State is a pacesetter when it comes to women taking the lead in leadership and careers,” he said, citing the historic appointments of the first female Chief Justice and Vice Chancellor of the state university.

    The governor also emphasized the importance of skill acquisition programs for youth and retirees, noting that these initiatives are designed to equip citizens with practical skills for employment.

    “We want to produce skilled citizens of Nasarawa State who can fill the gaps in the job market,” he added.

    As part of the visit, the Abuja Editors Forum toured the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute in Lafia, which was established by the Governor Sule’s administration to provide skills training for women and youth in various fields, including electrical/electronics, welding/fabrication, motor mechanics, block making, plumbing, carpentry, ICT, culinary arts, tailoring, leather works, barbering, and hairdressing.

    “The mandate of this institute is to train women, youth, civil servants, retirees, the elderly, and vulnerable individuals who aspire to be self-sufficient and provide for their families with contemporary and marketable skills,” said Daniel Ewuga Asele, Executive Director of the Institute, while guiding the media team on a tour of the institute’s departments and workshops.

    Dr. Asele noted that within two years of its founding, the institute has trained over 8,000 citizens in valuable vocational skills.

    “According to our tracking mechanism, all those trained are utilizing the skills they learned for personal development and the betterment of their communities,” he noted.

    The director added that the governor provided each graduate of the institute with a starter pack ranging from N200,000 to N500,000 to enable them to start their businesses.

    Photos of the vocational institute:

     

  • We Will Continue to Develop Solid Mineral Potentials in Nasarawa State – Gov Sule

    We Will Continue to Develop Solid Mineral Potentials in Nasarawa State – Gov Sule

     

    By Michael Onjewu, Abuja

    Governor Abdullahi Sule has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to harnessing the vast solid mineral resources of Nasarawa State to foster economic growth and development.

    Situated in North-Central Nigeria, Nasarawa is endowed with various solid minerals, including lithium, tin, columbite, gold, baryte, coal, marble, gemstones, and copper.

    In a media parley with members of the Abuja Editors Forum at the Government House in Lafia, Governor Sule said the results of a comprehensive study conducted by his administration revealed that Nasarawa is one of Nigeria’s richest states, abundant in hydrocarbons, precious metals, and solid minerals.

    “We are actively facilitating the establishment of several solid mineral processing plants across the state,” the governor said, noting that the largest lithium processing plant in the country is located in Nasarawa. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with investors aimed at establishing an even larger processing facility in the state.

    In addition to solid minerals, Governor Sule disclosed that significant investments have been made in agriculture, with the state currently harvesting rice from a 10,000-hectare farm. He stressed that the harvest will be strategically reserved until a marketing plan is finalized.

    “My background in the private sector emphasizes making less noise and focusing on productivity,” he added.

    Earlier in the day, the Abuja Media Editors, visiting Nasarawa for an on-the-spot assessment of government projects since 2019, toured Premium Marbles and Granite Limited, an indigenous company in Gudi that specializes in transforming stones into marbles, tiles, slabs, and other finished products.

    Usman Idris, the Admin Officer of the company, expressed his appreciation for the state government’s efforts in creating a conducive environment for business growth.

    “I commend Governor Sule for providing an environment conducive to our business operations. It is essential for businesses to thrive in a supportive setting. The state government has ensured adequate security and electricity, allowing us to operate freely,” Idris stated.

    He further noted that as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, the company has created job opportunities for local community members and recently commissioned a clinic for residents.

  • DSS Apprehends Nasarawa Officials and Traders for Embezzling Relief Supplies

    DSS Apprehends Nasarawa Officials and Traders for Embezzling Relief Supplies

    By  Milcah  Tanimu

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken into custody several individuals, including officials from the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency, over allegations of misappropriating relief supplies that were originally intended for the most vulnerable members of the community.

    According to a statement released on Tuesday by Peter Afunanya, the spokesperson for the DSS, a thorough investigation into the matter led to the recovery of some of the misused relief items. Furthermore, the DSS disclosed that similar operations were ongoing in various states across the country.

    “In response to these allegations, the Department of State Services initiated an inquiry and successfully retrieved some of the relief supplies. Additionally, several suspects have been apprehended,” stated Afunanya.

    He also revealed that one such criminal network in Nasarawa State had been intercepted. This network was responsible for diverting and subsequently selling the relief supplies that were intended to assist the vulnerable population.

    The individuals taken into custody include officials from the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency, as well as their associates from various markets, with a notable focus on the Modern Market in Lafia, where the relief items were being unlawfully resold. The suspects have now been handed over for appropriate legal action and disciplinary measures.

  • Court Restrains Ogazi from parading self as Nasarawa Speaker.

    Court Restrains Ogazi from parading self as Nasarawa Speaker.

    In a decisive move to address the ongoing leadership crisis that has plagued the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, the state government, through the Ministry of Justice, filed an exparte motion on June 14, 2023.

    The motion was heard on June 15, 2023, at High Court 1, presided over by the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Hon Justice Aisha Bashir Aliyu.

    During the proceedings, Y. Y. Ede esq, Director of Civil Litigation, and G. E. Benjamin esq, representing the plaintiffs, presented their submissions.

    Considering the arguments put forth, the Hon Chief Judge and Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission, who also serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Criminal Justice for Nasarawa State, ordered that Hon Daniel Ogah Ogazi and Hon Mohammed Adamu Oyanki are hereby restrained from parading themselves as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly until the determination of the motion on notice.

    The court further directed that the restraining order be served on Hon Daniel Ogah Ogazi, Hon Mohammed Adamu Oyanki, and the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State, for immediate compliance.

    The motion on notice is scheduled for a hearing on July 10, 2023.
    Signed by Enoch Ali Maku, Director of Information and Protocol at the High Court Headquarters in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

    This development comes as a significant step in resolving the leadership crisis that has hampered the functioning of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. The court’s intervention aims to ensure stability and the smooth operation of the legislative body until a final determination is reached.

  • Nasarawa: Government’s Focus Turns to Water Revitalization, Increased Channels – Kana

    Nasarawa: Government’s Focus Turns to Water Revitalization, Increased Channels – Kana

    …. highlights Governor Sule’s plans for improved water supply

    From Leo Zuanke, Nassarawa

    In an exclusive interview with our Correspondent on Monday, Ahmed Abubakar Kana, the General Manager of the Nasarawa State Water Board, revealed that Governor Sule’s priority for the remaining four years of his tenure will be centered around revitalizing the state’s water system and expanding water channels.

    These measures he said is aimed to address the critical issue of water supply, particularly in the state capital.

    Kana emphasized the importance of support from the people in ensuring a smooth administration during the governor’s second term. He stated that Governor Sule is committed to guaranteeing that every Nasarawa citizen has access to an adequate supply of water in their households.

    Recognizing the vital role water plays in the lives of the people, he said the governor aims to prioritize the revitalization of the state’s water system.

    “This initiative will involve upgrading infrastructure, ensuring proper maintenance, and implementing efficient water management practices. By doing so, the government intends to provide a reliable and sustainable water supply to meet the increasing demands of the growing population.” He added.

    Additionally, Kana said there are plans to introduce more water channels across the state to enhance water distribution.

    “This step aims to address the current challenges faced by rural communities in accessing clean water. By extending water channels, the government hopes to significantly improve the reach of potable water, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.”

    The GM expressed optimism about the governor’s plans, stressing the importance of collaboration between the government and the people, while calling on the citizens of Nasarawa to rally behind the governor’s vision and actively participate in supporting the administration’s efforts to improve water supply.

    According to reports, the issue of water scarcity has been a long-standing concern in Nasarawa State, particularly in the state capital. By prioritizing water revitalization and the development of additional water channels, Governor Sule’s administration aims to tackle this challenge head-on.

    The successful implementation of these measures will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the lives of the people, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for Nasarawa State.

  • Carnage in Nasarawa as 10 killed several injured

    Carnage in Nasarawa as 10 killed several injured

    From Leo Nzwanke, Lafia

    Nasarawa state which used to be ‘Home of Solid minerals” has turn to a bloodbath state as suspected Fulani herdsmen had on the early hours of saturday attacked Gidan Sule, a Tiv Community in Keana Local Government Area, of the state killing over 10 persons.

    The war lords in their numbers stormed Sule, a Tiv seltlement along Lafia Makurdi road when unknown gunmen attacked and killed a Fulani man and his sister on a bike said to be travelling from Agyaragu, towards Benue state.

    When contacted the spoksperson of Gidan Sule, community, Zaki Peter Achin, who was seen in tears reported that some of them survive only with the intervension of Army officers who were passing by that engaged the fulani warlords in a cross fire.

    He however gave names of those massacred to includes late Philomina Aeesaa, and her minor also battered by gun, Uwuhe Tarza and Rita Aoor, others butcheries are late Boyi Udekor,late Terhemen Suega, late Suega Ortserga and the deceased wife Mbaorun Suega, he said two more persons are missing up to the time of report.

    When our correspondent visited Kadarko town, where the deserted persons were taken refuge, the Senior Special Assistance SSA, on IDPs and Adult Education, to the state Governor, Hon. Mercy Kumbur, explained that on a faithful day there was gunshots after a while two people were reported killed by unknown gunmen along Kadarko in Nasarawa state and Yelwata, in Benue state.

    The situation has prompted the call on the Keana LG chiarman Hon. Sanusi Abdul whom his proactiveness arrived at the trouble area with security operatives Immediately.

    The SSA, futher explained that on the process of removing the corpses of the fulani persons, Gidan Sule was besieged shoting any body on site also by unknown Gunmen, “the operation was done uncontestably as maney feard death” she stressed

    She lamented the constant attacked on people at the border areas in the state thanked her boos Engr. Abdulahi Sule, for his relentless effort in making sure the lives and properties of citizens are protected therefor called for more deployment of security men to the affected areas.
    In an attempt to contact

  • Governor Sule Improving Business Environment Efficiency in Nasarawa State

    Governor Sule Improving Business Environment Efficiency in Nasarawa State

    Since the assumption of office in 2019. His Excellency Engr. A A Sule the executive Governor of Nasarawa state. With the private sector experiences came prepared especially to remodeled business environment of the state.
    Attesting to this is the economics road map of the state currently administered as a framework that take cognizant of every sectors.
    Attempt by pervious governor’s was imperative to the today’s success the AA Sule administration easily achieved.
    There targets to drive the state economy through Public Private Partnerships (PPP) remains a focal point in the Nasarawa State Economic Development Strategy (NEDS) central trust.
    Nevertheless, back to the centrality of this week column opinion polemic on our dear state, which is improving business environments efficiency as galvanized by the Governor Sule and his team.
    With hindsight into the general health of the Nigeria economy.
    Much of the challenges subnational governments have to contends with is how to make there state conducive for businesses and potential investors, foreign or local.
    And this situation exist even before the advent of convid-19 pandemic. So it is not that rosy to create that enabling environment, especially if one considered the enormous development needs at the subnational levels.
    Although, we acknowledged the efforts of state governments over the years, though a lots of gaps exist for improvement to take place.
    Now talking of gaps that exist at the subnational government levels of which the A A Sule administration in Nasarawa state in the last three years have been able timely closing its.
    Interestingly, one vital key the Nasarawa state governments recognized as a gap is the decline in the numbers of investors coming to the state. To addresses this it government reached out to both local and foreign investors.
    However,the government understand the practice essence of what investors always want. That is transparent, predictable, and consistent public policy.
    To this end the government made bold of this by first been amongst state throughout the federations to enact the tax harmonization law for ease of tax collection’s. In addition, to this the government established the state own investment and business agency as the arrow head to drive economic opportunity and gateway stop shop to potential business ideations. For us this agency is holding the key to several economic possibility if the its keep to terms and conditions leading its establishment.
    Further to above is the current government quest to improve and up lift the state of infrastructure in the state.
    Starting with electricity power, roads, water, health facility and many more. There is great changes what is obtainable now in Nasarawa state than before. While this commendable to fostered business environments with needed amenities for logistics, powering there equipment and market for there goods and services.
    Nothing in this regards from the state government perspective the important of all the infrastructure not just for indigenes and residents of the state alone, but for economic survival as well.
    Notwithstanding, the challenges in term’s of acquiring landed property in the state has been digitalised to give prompting administration to investors.
    The state own land survey and geographic agency in the last three is enjoying robust automated process to ensure quality services, as initiated by his Excellency.
    Given the economic benefits of having an enabling and improving environment for businesses.
    The AA Sule is reaping the fruit. Such is the 2021 Internally Generated Revenues(IGR) hitting N16billion mark for the state.
    One cannot rule out the practical impacts all earlier discussed policy deployment to address gaps in environment of business of the state.
    As this may have count as losses with attendant inefficiencies in the pass,
    All that have change and new frontier of sustainable environment for businesses with critical reforms is employed.
    Nonetheless, there is need to do more, and we are suggesting as a way forward.
    First, the AA Sule must see that it offer service support solution aimed at addressing challenges of investors and entrepreneur’s establishment challenges across the thirteen local government in the state.
    Secondly, for us equally, needed right now for government to see to continuation and consistency of all the policy so far, toward improvements in the state. We see the need for state own anti corruption agency.
    The import of this is safeguarding the gains of development so far. And position the state of Nigeria’s destination subnational with Ease of ‘Doing Business’ environment
    Moreso, to mitigate any form of official corruption perceptions.
    Lastly, employments creation must still remain the core target of the government, across all sectors of the economy.
    As this is what can reduce poverty in the state.

  • Maximizing the 110billion Nasarawa State 2022 Budget

    Maximizing the 110billion Nasarawa State 2022 Budget

    By Adefolarin A. Olamilekan

    Budget and budgeting processes remains a tangibles elements in the 22 years retuned to democratic rule in Nigeria.
    The essence of yearly budget ritual and it aftermath is well dissected at the various levels of government in Nigeria.
    Although state governments budget is characterized with some elements of reservation that economists, financial and development experts find its as a challenge of inconsistency.
    Interestingly, in Nasarawa state since the inception of Engr AA Sule administration in 1999.He has demonstrated a new thinking and transparent ways on state budget management in Nigeria.
    Critically, the state government commitment to its blueprint document Nasarawa State Economic Development Strategy (NEDS) speak expressly to what the 2022 budget holds in sectoral allocations importance for the overall development of the state.
    A look at the total breakdowns of N110billions showed that the sum of N73,868,482,458.05 was approved for recurrent expenditure, while N40,418,965,066.01 was earmarked as capital expenditure.
    Governor Abdullahi Sule signed the N110 billion 2022 budget into with great expectation. Even as the role of the State House of Assembly in ensuring a timely passage of budget point to.
    The the roboost executive-legislative synergy and partnership in the state is commendable. As this as point to the goals of state government achieving the collective responsibility to provide leadership and execute policies and programmes for the progress and development of the state.
    One key factor this piece would draw out is ensuring full implementation of the budget beyond what was obtained in the 2021 budget.
    Regrettably, it achieved less expectation though the challenge of funding played it down
    significantly.
    What need to be done.
    On the 2022 budget, we trust the AA Sule administration is not relying on the FAAC funding alone.
    The state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) as being a driven forces why the state government is all out to woe investors to the state.
    Meanwhile, the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) drive is still an upper most task that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state must equally devote top priorities to.
    For us we see this as the core value and better way to understanding the mode the state Government objectively fulfil it policies and programmes trust to indigenes and residents.
    The state House of Assembly members oversight functions is the leeway in our estimation in getting the budget translated into tangible development indices.
    The task of developing Nasarawa state is a collectives responsibility.
    The role of maximizing the state budget to it full implementation is tied to financial fidelity.

  • CSOs calls for credible LG election in Nasarawa State

    CSOs calls for credible LG election in Nasarawa State

    From Leo Nzwanke, Lafia

    Network of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria has called for credible election ahead of October 6 Local Government election in Nasarawa State.

    Briefing newsmen on Monday, in Lafia, National coordinator and Team Leader, Comrade Victor Kalu said the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) which has the responsibility to conduct LG election should discharge their duties in line with relevant electoral laws of the state.

    He further stated that that CSOs are committed to strengthening democratic values, promotion of good governance, rule of law, constitutional rights of citizens among others.

    The national coordinator added that as part of their responsibilities to ensuring credible election, they have conducted pre-election assessment in the state.

    “We have interacted with NASIEC, leaders of the participating political parties, security agencies and other stakeholders and they all assured us of a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the election.

    “We also monitored and observed that the state government had provided necessary logistic support to NASIEC to ensure transparent, violence-free, fair and credible election.

    “So far, there has not been any form of interference with the process of the election by the state government therefore, we expect the best from the state electoral body,” the team leader of the CSOs added.

    He lauded NASIEC for their neutrality so far and urged them to sustain it to the very end by ensuring that only those elected were declared winners.

    The group however, commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for his disposition and support for the electoral body to conduct election as at when due for the third tier of government in the state.

    Kalu also commended all political parties participating in the forthcoming election for the peaceful conduct of their primaries as well as there peaceful campaigns this far.

    He assured that public that their members would monitor the election in all the electoral wards in the 13 Local Government Areas of the state.

    The CSOs therefore, appealed the state government to declare Tuesday October 5 as half-working-day and always declare Wednesday as public holiday to enable people participate in the exercise.