Toba Owojaiye reportingÂ
Lafia, Nassarawa State
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has announced that his administration has fully settled all inherited debts and pledged to leave the state debt-free by the end of his tenure in 2027. This commitment aligns with his administration’s focus on prudent financial management, industrialization, and infrastructure development.
Truth Live News gathered that since assuming office in 2019, Governor Sule has prioritized fiscal responsibility. His administration has cleared debts amounting to over N57 billion, including bailout funds, budget support, and a N10 billion project support facility inherited from previous administrations. Additionally, the state government provided an extra N137 million from its coffers to clear outstanding obligations, ensuring Nasarawa’s financial stability. Governor Sule emphasized his intention to leave the state in a better financial position than he met it, believing that the sacrifices made for prudent resource management will be appreciated over time.
In line with this fiscal discipline, Governor Sule stated that the state has not taken any loans since President Tinubu assumed office. This claim has been largely corroborated by available data from the Debt Management Office (DMO), underscoring the administration’s commitment to avoiding new debts.
With a focus on positioning Nasarawa State for industrial growth, Governor Sule’s administration has embarked on several infrastructure projects:
Road Construction: The government awarded a contract for the construction of a 50km road linking Toto and Umaisha, valued at over N4 billion. Additionally, the 26km Eyenu-Mararaban Udege and Odu roads in Nasarawa Local Government have been completed, enhancing connectivity in the region.
Flyover Bridges: The Lafia flyover bridge is set to be completed within the next three weeks, while the Akwanga flyover is expected to be ready by June. A new overhead bridge in Keffi has also been approved, with completion anticipated by December 2025.
Industrialization Efforts: Governor Sule’s vision includes transforming Nasarawa from an agrarian economy to a manufacturing-based one. His administration’s efforts in harnessing the state’s mineral resources have been recognized, earning him the Governor of the Year award in solid mineral development from The Independent Newspaper.
The administration has also focused on maintaining a secure environment to attract investments. Governor Sule welcomed the restructuring of Operation Whirl Stroke by the defense headquarters, pledging continued support for the military to ensure that Nasarawa State remains peaceful.
Furthermore, the state government has taken steps to enhance service delivery by providing project vehicles to key agencies, including the Nasarawa Geographic Information Service (NAGIS) and the Nasarawa Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), to bolster operational efficiency in land administration and investment facilitation.
Looking ahead, Governor Sule is committed to enhancing revenue generation and ensuring the efficient implementation of the 2025 budget. He presented a budget estimate of N382.57 billion to the state House of Assembly for the 2025 fiscal year, emphasizing economic growth and stability. This budget reflects his administration’s dedication to sustaining Nasarawa’s financial health and fostering industrial growth without accruing new debts.