FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu alongside the United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Haj Amina Mohammed, have commended Governor Abdullahi Sule on his vision towards creating an enabling environment through the implementation of his industrialization policy that has attracted both local and foreign investors to invest in Nasarawa State.
Both President Tinubu and the UN Deputy Secretary General gave the commendation at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Nasarawa State Investment Summit, held at Aliyu Doma Banquet, Hall, Government House recently.
The president who was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, they commended Governor Sule for taking action towards creating an enabling industrial echo system that attracts investments, creates jobs and stimulates innovation.
He particularly appreciated the Governor for his encouraging efforts in implementing policies and programmes that foster a business-friendly environment, investment infrastructure, promoting value addition in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and energy.
The President pointed out that only last week, Nasarawa State celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of 4,000 tons per day lithium processing plant, a testament to Governor Sule’s allure for investment.
“This achievement underscores his reputation as an investment destination and his dedication to provide enabling business environment”.
The president urged other states to emulate Nasarawa example by intensifying efforts to attract investment. Initiatives like this investment summit are pivotal in showcasing the vast opportunities that await investors across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.
“Nigeria is truly proud of Nasarawa State, particularly for the strides it has taken within the mining sector. This state has shown great vision in ensuring that their vast lithium deposits are developed and processed, ensuring that raw material are not exported out of this country without any value addition, in line with the renewed hope agenda,” he stated.
President Tinubu added that, the theme of the summit ‘Industrial Renaissance’ marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards economic transformation, stressing that industrial renaissance is not just a theme but a call to action.
On her part, Haji Amina Mohammed commended the people and government of Nasarawa State for their ambitious economic strategy as reflected in the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS.).
“Nasarawa State is primed to be an investment power house and an economic hub in Nigeria due to its strategic location, its rich agriculture base, abundant solid minerals resources and tourism potentials,” she stated.
In a keynote address, President, African Development Bank, Akinwumi A. Adesina, noted that since the inaugural submit held in 2022, the Nasarawa Investment Summit is quickly emerging as a robust platform to showcase the investment potentials and opportunities in the state, as well as provide a forum for dialogue on policy formation and actions that would consolidate Nasarawa’s position as a top investment destination in Nigeria.
Adesina pointed out that the theme chosen for this year’s summit ‘Industrial Renaissance’, is focusing on attracting capital for infrastructural development and entrepreneurship to drive industrialization is most apt and resonates with the demands of the time, as well as the industrialize Africa strategy of the ADB.
He also said Nasarawa State needs to accelerate its domestic resource mobilization amongst others to support the intended industrial renaissance in the state.
Adesina cited the 2023 BUDGiT States of States Report, which indicated that Internally Generated Revenue in Nasarawa State grew marginally by 3.8 percent in 2022 from 20.7b in 2021 to 21.09bn in 2022.
In his speech, Governor Abdullahi Sule, said organizing the 2024 Invest Summit will further expand the state’s existing pathways to leverage on the industrial, agricultural and mining sectors towards enhancing inclusive and sustainable wealth creation and economic prosperity.
Governor Sule said his administration has been deliberate in stimulating the economy of the state, building human capacity, creating wealth and generating employment opportunities to the people.
He explained that the reason for choosing the theme for this year’s summit, deliberately coined ‘The Industrial Renaissance’ was because his administration has built some of the key fundamentals required to drive the industrial agenda and present other minerals to investors.
While appreciating President Tinubu, Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, all the special guests at the events, as well as captains of industry that attended the event, the Governor called on investors to continue to take advantage of the conducive business environment in the state.
“Let me once again commend President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima and all other distinguished invitees for what you have done in order to continue to promote our state.
Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, who spoke on behalf of the first civilian governor of the state, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, commended Governor Sule for his political will to exploit the potentials of the state.
Senator Wadada noted that aside of mining and agriculture; other potentials abound such as hospitality, tourism and education that equally need to be exploited.
Earlier in a welcome address, MD/CEO of the Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the event marks not just the celebration of what the state has achieved so far, but the anticipation of greater accomplishments that lie ahead.
Abdullahi noted that, in 2019, the Nasarawa State Government recalibrated its development strategy and took an ambitious path towards the industrialization of the state, instituting broad reforms across various sectors to create competitive, private sector driven economy.
In line with the business of the day, three groundbreaking deals were at the first day of the summit namely, Boxmore, Earth Metal, and Nasarawa for the Uke gold project, Boxmore, Nasarawa, AFC, and SMDF for lithium and zinc project development, as well as Lee Group and Nasarawa for $200 million rice and sugarcane production and processing.
SOLOMON MUNDUNG
AEO (Information)
Edited By
ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA
