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.
Tag: Sule
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Governor Sule Improving Business Environment Efficiency in Nasarawa State
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A.A SULE Development Policies Mirror Facts
By Adefolarin A. Olamilekan
The need to appraise the developmental policies of the current administration of Governor A.A Sule of Nasarawa is pressing. For instance, the ongoing projects scattered all over the state can be linked clearly to the leadership superiority of A.A Sule.
Some of the biggest capital project in the state includes; Akurba Power Substation Lafia, Nasarawa State Cargo Airport, Kwandere, Farin Ruwa Dam, as well as the Sisin Baki/Farin Ruwa road, 25km Mararraba-Udege feeder road, Keffi Square/Neighborhood Market, Technology Innovation Hubs, Mararaba-orange Market road and the Taal Orange Site and state Services Estate, construction of Mpape-Gurku-Panda-Gitata road, RemodeledGirls College Wamba. The above are just amongst the many ongoing and completed projects by the state government.
Any fair assessment of the A.A Sule administration must take these facts into consideration. However, the developmental policies clearly have a verifiable impact on the direction of investment decisions whether foreign or local.
In the end, it will affect both the perception of Nigeria globally and the reality of citizens’ livelihoods in this oil-rich country at home.
To this end, Governor Sule recently disclosed that his administration has commenced the rehabilitation and furnishing of the existing primary and secondary schools in the 13 local government of the state. This also comes along with advancing the structure and equipping the both primary health, general and specialist hospital in the state.
In additions is the of information technology innovation hubs in Lafia, Akwanga, Keffi and Karu local government areas. In this also, over 100 hundred la tops computers installed at the Tec hub. Interestingly, the tech-hubs enable young people to learn how to; develop Mobile Apps, Web Development, Idea Incubation, Robotic Training, Internet Of Things, Real And Virtual Augmentation, Graphic Designs, Block- Chain among many very others.
However, we must acknowledge the fact that Governor A A. Sule has avowed that projects carried out under his administration is aimed at the advancement of the state socio-cultural, exquisiteness and enhanced economic activities.
Curiously, Security in Nasarawa state has received boost that, many now referred to the state as “peace enclave “Nevertheless, despite the seriousness of the current fiscal crisis many states in Nigeria face today, especially common from a pandemic infuse shock on our national economy slowing down businesses and economic activities.
Nasarawa state still remains an investment destiny going by the astute quality economy policy of the A.A Sule. Evidence of this is found in the recently published Internally Generated Revenue by the Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Agency (NSIRA) of N8billion in the first and second quarter of the year 2021.This is commendable and forward proactiveness to activate multiple sources and divestment of the state. The tax harmonization policy of the state government is unique and result oriented.
On the other hand, Governor A.A Sule of Nasarawa and his team must see that every Nasarawa indigenes and residents are have seen the “exceeding all expectations” sign post as practical not just rhetoric. But there are more scopes to take Nasarawa state higher, the level its now is not yet a hurray. Let put aside all glamour of obsequiousness apart, project, project, project and more projects are expected to be initiated, completed and commission in the entire 13 LGAs of the state.
Hitherto, the narrative about Nasarawa state just as it about to clock 25years after creation, the sequence of events around the state has change from been indefinite among his peers.
Our, charge to Governor A.A Sule of Nasarawa and team is that keep working, working, work and work because that why the ecstasy Nasarawa state electorates that voted you expect. And this is nothing but Development Policies Mirrored with Facts.
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TATC Honours Gbajabiamila, Tambuwa, Wike, Sule, Ugwuanyi, others with Honorific Chieftaincy Tittles in Benue State
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
The Tiv Area Traditional Council, TATC, the highest decision making body of the Tiv Nation on Thursday conferred on Eminent Nigerians including, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Governors among others with Honorific Chieftaincy Tittles.
The Chairman, Benue Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, Tor Tiv the 5th performed the ceremony during the official commissioning of the ultra modern palace of the Tor Tiv in Gboko, Benue State.
Prof. Ayatse pointed out that the honour was as a result of the immense contributions of the honourees to the growth of the Tiv Nation.
The Paramount Ruler who congratulated the Chieftaincy Tittle Holders, described them as the Ambassadors of the Tiv Nation. He maintained that the honour calls for more service.
Prof. Ayatse lauded Benue State Government for uplifting the palaces of the Traditional Rulers in Benue, the development he said would enable them discharge their duties more efficiently.
Responding on behalf of the honourees, the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Sokoto State, Alh. Aminu Tambuwa appreciated the Tiv Area Traditional Council for the honour.
The Governor pledged on behalf of the honourees that they would be good Ambassadors as well as build bridges for the growth of the Tiv Nation.
Those who received the titles include; Governors, Aminu Tambuwa of Sokoto as the Friend of the Tiv Nation, Nyisom Wike of Rivers as the Eagle of the Tiv Nation, Efianyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu as the Good Neighbor of the Tiv Nation and Abdullahi Sule of Nassarawa as Peace Builder respectively.
Others are; Speaker, House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila as Helper of the Tiv Nation, Former Provost, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Prof. Shima Gyoh as Healing Bam of the Tiv Nation and Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, as Great Companion of the Tiv Nation.
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Sule Inaugurates 21 man committee to implement national policy of MSMEs to open up economic activities in the state.
Abel Leonard/ lafia
Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, of Nasarawa state has inaugurated the State council on implementation of the national policy on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), in line with the policy thrusts of President Muhammadu Buhari, with a view to opening up the frontiers of economic activities across the country.
Sule inaugurated the committee, at a ceremony the Government House recently.
While the national committee on MSMEs will be headed by the Vice President, Professor yemi Osibanjo, the committee at the state level will be chaired by the Governor, with members drawn from relevant ministries, as well as major stakeholders.
According to the him, the state council on the implementation of the national policy on MSMEs, will see to the domestication of the policy in Nasarawa State, earlier formulated by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), which will serve as a vehicle to enhance sustainable economic development.
Being the first ever national policy on MSMEs, Engineer Sule opined that it is meant to facilitate and sustain a vibrant MSMEs subsector, which will promote national economic growth and employment.
The Governor disclosed that with SMEDAN being a one-stop shop for MSMEs development in the country, part of its mandate is to initiate and articulate policy ideas for the Small and Medium Enterprises growth and development, as well as promote, facilitate developmental programmes, instruments and support services to accelerate the modernization of MSMEs operators.
“It will also serve as a vanguard for rural industrialization, poverty reduction, job creation and enhanced livelihood,” he stated.
The 21-member committee inaugurated in Nasarawa State, will have Engineer Abdullahi Sule as Chairman, Hon Obadiah Boyi, Commissioner of Trade, Industry and Investment, as Vice Chairman, while Bashir Shola, State Director, SMEDAN, will serve as Secretary. -
Sule warned steering committee on palliatives to ensure transparency in the distribution.
By Abe Leonard
The governor of Nasarawa state Engr. Abdulahi Sule has warned the steering committee on paliatives in the state to ensure transparency in the distribution of palliatives in the 13 local government areas in the state.
The governor who made this known to news men today when he flagged off the distribution of 35 trucks of food items and other commodities as palliatives to the vulnerable people across the thirteen (13) Local Government Areas of the State.
The governor said that it has procured twelve (12) trucks of rice in commitment to cushion the plight of the people during the locked down period as a result of the need to control the spread of CCVID-19 in the State, adding that Olam Farms Ltd also donated one (1) truck of six hundred (600) bags of rice bringing the total to thirteen (13) trucks. These trucks were distributed to the vulnerable people across the thirteen (13) Local Government Areas of the State at the first instance.
He further stressed that the distribution was carried out by a special Committee of Honourable Commissioners, Special Advisers, Local Government Council Chairmen and other appointees of Government saying that Today’s event is in furtherance of the government commitment to continue to provide succour to the vulnerable households and indeed, the poorest of the poor across the nooks and crannies of the State.
In his word he also said “My dear people of Nasarawa State, you would also recall that the State Government recently received essential commodities worth thirty-five (35) trucks of different food items from Coalition of Private Organization (CA COVID-19), as part of its support to complement Government efforts in cushioning the effects of hunger in this period of COVID-19 pandemic”.
Sule I commended the Coalition of Private Organization (CA COVID-19) and other philanthropists for this humanitarian gesture, aimed at assisting the less-privileged and vulnerable groups in the society. Indeed,
The governor emphasied strongly that the commodities will be shared across the one thousand, four hundred and ninety-five (1,495) polling units in the State, noting that the food items are to be shared to the poorest of the poor who have no source of income to cater for their daily needs. In this wise, salary earners, businessmen and other privileged people are exempted from this intervention.
He howevet proclaimed that the Government has re-strengthened the palliatives distribution Committees at the Local Government, wards and polling unit levels to ensure transparency in the distribution of the palliatives.
Accordingly, the State Steering Committee on COVID-19 said it will ensure strict supervision and keen monitoring of the distribution process. That they will held accountable for any anomaly in the distribution of the palliatives.
He therefore, charge them to justify the confidence Government reposed in them by ensuring transparency and fairness in the distribution of these palliatives which should be conducted irrespective of political consideration, religious affiliation and ethnic bias or any other form of sentiments. Above all, you must allow the fear of God to prevail in the course of carrying out your assigned responsibility.
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Ortom, Sule beg FG to sustain ‘Operation Whirl Stroke’
Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and his Benue counterpart, Samuel Ortom, have appealed to the Federal Government to the sustain the military operation code named: ‘Operation Whirl Stroke’ to guarantee full restoration of peace in the region.
The duo made the appeal at a joint security meeting on Sunday in Lafia, following tensions arising from the federal government’s decision to withdraw the military involved in the security operation covering Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states.
According to the governors, sustaining the military operation for at least another two years would ensure the full restoration of peace and flushing out all criminal elements operating in the region.
Sule in his submission, noted that there had not been any serious security breach since the announcement for the withdrawal of the military.
He however said that there was tension and fear, especially in the border communities, with residents leaving their homes.
Sule stressed the need for stakeholders from both states to close ranks and make concerted effort towards ensuring a lasting peace.
On his part, Ortom want the federal government to reconsider its decision on the withdrawal of the military, saying that peace is yet to be fully restored to the various communities.
According to Ortom, most of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from last year’s attack in Benue were yet to be fully returned to their homes.
He said that IDPs were still housed in eight camps across Benue, adding that with reported cases of skirmishes last week, they will not feel safe to return home without the presence of the military.
The issue of the Anti-open grazing and ranching establishment law enacted by the Benue state government was discussed at the meeting with stakeholders from Nasarawa state appealing for its implementation with “human face.”
Justice Sidi Bage, the Emir of Lafia, in his submission, went down memory lane to establish that the people from both states were one, only separated by “artificial boundaries”.
Bage acknowledged that the Benue Anti-open grazing law was apt at the time it was promulgated to protect the people, and believed that it had achieved the purpose with the current measure of peace in the state.
However, the first class traditional ruler urged the Benue Government to relax the the law since peace had been achieved to a large extent in the spirit of brotherhood.
“I know it’s very difficult, but try to see that some aspects of the law is relaxed a bit considering our brotherhood,” Bage said.
Similarly, Alhaji Hussaini Mohammed, the Chairman, Nasarawa State branch of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders (MACBAN), and Mr Boniface Ifer, representing the Tiv community in Nasarawa state, appealed forpartial implementation of the anti-open grazing law as part of the peace-building process across both states.
On his part, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, represented by the Tor Lobi, Chief Moses Anagende, lauded the peace-building initiative by the two governors and stressed the need for all stakeholders to support the course.
The monarch however said that the anti-open grazing law in Benue was beyond governor Ortom to tinker with as it was the concensus decision of the people of the state, hence any adjustment would be the collective decision of the people.
He assured the Emir of Lafia that his appeal in that regards would be considered but would take some time.
Also, Mr Ayua Abomtse, the ‘Ter Nagi’ from Benue, said that the issue of relaxing the implementation of the law being sought by stakeholders in Nasarawa state was too early considering the fact that peace was yet to be fully restored.
Abomtse added that the implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Programme (NLTP) of the federal government, which Benue had signed into might even address the concerns of the Nasarawa stakeholders.
He also urged traditional rulers in border communities to educate their subjects on the imperative of peace.
Ortom added that the anti-open grazing was still in place in the state, adding that ranching is the best way to go if the country was to focus on agriculture to diversify the economy away from oil.
Ortom said his administration was open to workable suggestions from the Miyetti Allah and other stakeholders that could be used to amend the anti-open grazing and ranches establishment law for the benefit of all. (NAN)