Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has directed members of the State Executive Council (ExCo) to prioritise the completion of ongoing projects and desist from initiating new ones, declaring that he would not leave behind uncompleted or unpaid contracts for the next administration.
The Governor gave the directive during the first Executive Council meeting of the year held at the Government House in Lafia, noting that 2026 represents the only full operational year before the 2027 general elections begin to dominate the political space.
“I want us to focus and concentrate on completion rather than new projects. Every day I see new requests, especially from the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Education, and NUDA. I don’t want us as an administration to leave outstanding jobs to the next administration,” Sule said.
He stressed the importance of completing and fully paying for projects before the end of his tenure.
“Please, I would like a situation where all the jobs we are giving will be completed by us and paid for. When we are handing over, we are not leaving either the payment or completion of projects to another administration,” he added.
The Governor warned that political activities, including the recently released All Progressives Congress (APC) congress timetable and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s election schedule, could become distractions if not properly managed.
“This is the full year we have. Next year is not a full year to operate. Let us focus on completing the jobs we already have before asking for additional ones,” he stated.
Governor Sule outlined an extensive commissioning calendar for 2026, describing it as potentially the most productive year of his administration.
He disclosed that the state’s lithium processing plant would be commissioned in March 2026 by Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing it as a milestone in harnessing Nasarawa’s solid mineral resources.
Between July and August, the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations University of Leadership is expected to be commissioned, with full academic activities scheduled to commence in November.
Key infrastructure projects listed for commissioning include the Keffi flyover (October–November), the Akwanga underpass and dualisation project (June–July), and markets in Awe, Wamba, Nasarawa, Toto and Doma local government areas (April–May). The dual flyover in Mararaba is scheduled for commissioning between December 2026 and January 2027.
Rural road projects in Akwanga, Wamba, Nasarawa Eggon, Karu and Lafia are also expected to be delivered between June and August.
On investment inflows, the Governor revealed that the Squire cassava value chain city project in Kokona Local Government Area, covering 10,000 hectares, would be commissioned within the year. He also provided updates on a proposed 10,000-hectare cashew value chain project by JJ Group, with Indian investors already conducting site inspections.
Regarding the Brekete Family housing estate in Karu Local Government Area, Sule directed the Nasarawa State Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA) to collaborate with the Attorney General to ensure that the state’s 30 per cent equity stake is legally secured.
“It is very important that the state government is not shortchanged. Let us ensure the 30 per cent equity is feasible, realistic, just and fair,” he said.
The Governor also appreciated security agencies and community leaders for maintaining peace in the state, describing Nasarawa as one of the most peaceful states in the country.
On institutional developments, he announced that the Nasarawa State Infectious Diseases Centre in Lafia had been handed over to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, including all assets and liabilities.
He further disclosed that Nasarawa State University, Keffi, would celebrate its 25th anniversary in April with a combined convocation ceremony expected to attract international dignitaries.
Reiterating his directive, Sule urged commissioners, particularly those overseeing Works, Trade and Industry, and Rural Development, to ensure that all existing contracts are completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Umar Muhammed in Lafia
About the Author
