Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule says the state’s investment summits are bringing in mining firms, boosting lithium production and creating jobs, as part of efforts to grow the economy and attract investors.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Thursday, Sule said the state began its investment drive in 2022 with a focus on key sectors. He said the summits target investors in mining, agriculture, power and manufacturing, with the aim of turning interest into actual projects.
Sule said the lithium sector has seen strong growth since the first summit. “In 2022, we didn’t have one mining company,” he said, adding that several firms have now set up operations in the state, including what he described as the largest lithium plant in Africa.
He said the state invited both large and smaller firms with the capacity to invest, rather than hosting “people who will just come and talk.” According to him, companies in energy have helped expand solar mini-grids in rural areas, improving access to power.
Sule said the projects are creating jobs and building skills among young people. “They have employed our youth… they will have a skill they never had,” he said, noting that workers are now trained to operate and maintain equipment.
He said the state is also seeing returns from the investment drive, with private firms now funding the summits. According to him, recent editions have attracted more funding than needed, reducing the cost to the state.
On agriculture, Sule said the government is expanding farmland and supporting food production, including work at the state-owned rice farm in Jangwa, where new planting is planned.
He added that the government has introduced reforms to support investors, including institutions to handle business disputes and protect investments, with the aim of sustaining growth beyond his tenure.
Ademide Adebayo
