In his second term, Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has been leveraging his engineering expertise to advance the mineral-rich state’s industrial, economic, and social landscapes. From solid mineral development to skill acquisition, Governor Sule’s administration remains committed to elevating the “Home of Solid Minerals” to new heights—all without borrowing a naira.
Reflecting on the impetus for his governorship, Sule explained, “I was the Group Managing Director of Dangote Refinery when the idea of becoming the governor came to me. After assessing Nasarawa’s mineral potential with my team, I became excited about the possibilities.” He continued, “The report found Nasarawa to be one of the richest states in mineral potentials. This discovery fueled my determination to make a difference in the state.”
Among the initiatives is the state’s marble factory, which has steadily boosted the local economy. “You would be thrilled to see the Lithium Processing Plant and Tin Processing Plant we now have. These factories are driving job creation and investment in the solid minerals sector,” Governor Sule emphasized. He proudly noted that Nasarawa is home to Nigeria’s largest lithium processing plant, with an even bigger facility in the pipeline.
The governor’s administration has also committed to empowering the rural communities that drive Nasarawa’s economy. “The wealth of Nasarawa is in the villages. From minerals to agriculture, the rural areas hold our state’s future,” he said, pointing to infrastructure projects like the recently paved roads connecting agricultural zones to the state’s power-generating dam at Farin Ruwa.
In Lafia, the capital, the newly established Nasarawa Skills and Technology Centre provides a pathway for citizens to become skilled, self-reliant professionals. Reflecting on his background as an engineer and former student of technical skills, Sule remarked, “I went to technical school, did welding, and worked my way through college. The Skills and Technology Centre will ensure that Nasarawa’s youth and retirees have skills to support themselves.” He further stressed that skills were crucial to avoiding “the sad situation of retirees getting pensions without knowing how to utilise them.”
Governor Sule’s commitment to security and human capital development has also driven unique initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment. “Our administration launched a Gender Document, the first of its kind, to formalise our commitment to women in leadership roles. Nasarawa’s Chief Judge and Vice-Chancellor are women,” he shared, reflecting on the pacesetting role Nasarawa plays in women’s empowerment. He added, “We want more Amina Mohammeds, women who lead with passion and integrity.”
As Nasarawa’s fourth governor, Sule aims to be remembered as “someone who truly believes in the state, committed to prudent management and the transformation of our potentials into wealth.”
