May 15, (THEWILL) – Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has said that the ease of doing business and investment promotion have attracted over $500 million investment into key sectors in the state within the last three years.
According to him, the implementation of Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS) is already reflecting in not just improved outcomes in key areas, but also in terms of developmental impacts of the State as is evident in the significant increase in the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), by 49% in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are already on track to surpass that of 2020. It is important to state that an independent evaluation platform (Kingmaker) has also showed that Nasarawa State moved from 24th position in 2016 to 12th position in 2020 in terms of standard of living of the citizens”.
Governor Sule made the disclosure on Wednesday while declaring open a 2-Day Nasarawa Investment Summit, in Lafia, the state capital in which some business experts including the former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama; Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki; President, Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; former Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi among others were in attendant.
“Let me welcome His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, the former President of the Republic of Ghana to Nasarawa State; my colleague, His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, Executive Governor of Edo State; In the same vein, I welcome the President, Dangote Group, Alh. Aliko Dangote to this historic event; His Royal Highness, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the 14th Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria to this auspicious occasion”.
Governor Sule expressed optimism that the gathering will offer an opportunity to continue to map the future of an economic landscape, with renewed vigor in order to further explore business opportunities that abound in the State and forge investment partnerships in the Agricultural and Solid Minerals sectors of the State economy.
With the theme: “Diamond In The Rough: The Making Of A New Investment Frontier”, the governor explained that the theme was deliberately coined in line with the vision and philosophy of the present Administration, geared towards driving the State economy for socioeconomic development.
“The Summit is, therefore, aimed at positioning Nasarawa State in the investment destination amongst the top three most competitive States in Nigeria by 2023 in terms of accelerated growth, increased economic opportunities, social inclusion and improved quality of life of citizenry”.
“It is also aimed at promoting investment opportunities and fostering synergy, as well as partnerships between Government institutions and private sector actors, who are critical players in the socioeconomic development of society”.
He noted that the Executive Council have been very deliberate in stimulating the economy, building human capacities, creating wealth and generating employment in the State.
“On assumption of office in 2019, we constituted the Economic Investment Advisory Council, headed by Prof. Konyisola Ajayi (SAN) and other respectable members both within and outside the country, with the objective of providing strategic advice and support to Government in promoting economic development and attracting investment into the State”.
According to governor Sule, the recommendations of the Council has resulted to the development of the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS) and subsequent establishment of the Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), under which auspices the summit is been held.
“In line with the NEDS document, we have also attracted investments from Dangote Group, Azman Rice Ltd; Flour Mills of Nig. Plc. as well as the utilization of our various assets, including markets, Fertilizer Blending Plants and Packaging Company in Akwanga, among others.”
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