Nasarawa State Council Sanctions N52 Billion Supplementary Funds for Rural Initiatives

The Nasarawa State Executive Council, under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, has announced notable advancements across key sectors including road infrastructure, solid minerals, agriculture, and humanitarian services. Dr. Ibrahim Tanko, the State Commissioner for Information, Tourism and Culture, made this disclosure on Tuesday following the monthly Executive Council meeting held at the Government House.

Addressing journalists after the session, Dr. Tanko explained that the meeting focused on critical issues essential for the state's progress and development. He was joined at the briefing by his counterparts, including Hon. Tanko Tunga (Agriculture), Hon. Muluku Agah (Water Resources), and Hon. Munirat Abdullahi (Finance, Budget and Planning).

Regarding rural infrastructure, Dr. Tanko revealed that the council gave its approval for 32 projects, which encompass roads, bridges, and culverts, to be executed across various rural communities in the state. These projects are strategically designed to enhance connectivity in rural areas, facilitate the seamless movement of farm produce to markets, and improve residents' access to vital services like schools and healthcare facilities in the beneficiary communities.

The commissioner also highlighted an upcoming major road construction project by the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu. This project is slated for flag-off on Wednesday and will connect Akwanga, passing through Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi, and Gombe states, before terminating in Borno State. He hailed this initiative as a significant achievement for the current administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Sule had previously mentioned that the APC National Chairman would represent President Tinubu at the event, alongside the Minister of Works, officials from the Federal Ministry of Works, and governors of the affected states.

On the solid minerals front, the council reviewed the progress made in lithium production within Nasarawa State. A company has successfully obtained a license covering 1.5 hectares in the Toto Local Government Area. This development is projected to create employment opportunities, generate revenue for the state, and unlock further economic prospects for the people of Nasarawa.

Concerning agriculture, Commissioner Tanko reaffirmed Governor Sule's steadfast commitment to boosting the sector. The Governor, popularly known as the “Farmer Governor,” aims for a substantial increase in the production of the state’s “Nasara Rice” brand this year. This move is expected to create jobs for farmers, ensure more affordable and accessible food for residents, and position Nasarawa State as a leading food supplier nationwide. Additionally, the state has partnered with Silvex, a rice milling firm, to manage the 3,500-hectare Nasarawa rice farm this planting season. This collaboration is intended to sustain production, protect approximately 1,000 jobs, and support the Federal Government’s food security drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

For the financing of these rural development projects, Hon. Muluku Agah, the Commissioner for Water Resources, confirmed the council’s approval of a N52 billion supplementary budget. These funds are designated to ensure the timely delivery of the 32 road, bridge, and culvert projects across the identified communities.

In the realm of humanitarian affairs, Hon. Munirat Abdullahi, Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning, disclosed that the council ratified three key policy documents: the General Humanitarian Policy for Nasarawa State, the domesticated National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and a five-year roadmap for government interventions targeting vulnerable populations, including displaced persons and host communities. These documents are crucial for the state to meet its obligations under the World Bank-supported Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons and Host Communities (SOLID) Programme, in which Nasarawa State is a participant.

Furthermore, Commissioner Abdullahi reported that the council reviewed overhead allocations for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This review aims to ensure the prompt release of funds for routine operations and to reduce the volume of financial requests reaching the governor’s desk. She underscored the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline, noting the state’s ongoing efforts to reduce outstanding liabilities despite dynamic expenditure profiles.

The briefing concluded with the commissioners collectively reiterating Governor Sule’s dedication to sustained development across infrastructure, agriculture, security, and human capital. They presented the outcomes of Tuesday’s council meeting as further evidence of the administration’s focus on improving the welfare of Nasarawa State residents.