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Category: Nasarawa Update

  • Ezhiba Community Laments Neglect, Urges Gov. Sule to Fix Ezhiba/Akpata Road

    Ezhiba Community Laments Neglect, Urges Gov. Sule to Fix Ezhiba/Akpata Road

    Residents of Ezhiba community in Nasarawa State have raised concern over what they describe as years of neglect, appealing to Governor Abdullahi Sule to urgently intervene in the deplorable condition of the over five-kilometre Ezhiba/Akpata road, which they say continues to undermine agriculture, economic activities, and the overall quality of life in the area.

    Their concern was conveyed by the Village Head of Ezhiba, Chief Danlami Umbugadu, when he led members of the community on a courtesy visit to Akun Area Administrative Council, where they met with the council’s Administrator, Garba Adigizi, in Akpata.

    Umbugadu said the deplorable condition of the road has continued to hinder economic growth and agricultural activities in the area, stressing that residents and other road users endure serious hardship daily.

    “This road is in a very bad shape. Our people and other users are suffering while plying it. We are appealing to His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule, to construct this road so as to improve our standard of living,” he said.

    According to the traditional ruler, rehabilitating the Ezhiba/Akpata road would significantly boost agricultural productivity, ease transportation of farm produce, and enhance socio-economic activities within the community and its environs.

    Beyond road infrastructure, Umbugadu also appealed to the state government to consider employing and appointing qualified sons and daughters of Ezhiba into various government positions, noting that greater inclusion would further strengthen development and a sense of belonging among the people.

    He assured the governor and the Akun Area Administrative Council of the community’s continued loyalty and unwavering support for the current administration.

    Other prominent sons of the community who spoke during the visit included Mr. Lami Martina Bako, a former Speaker of Akun Development Area; Mr. Charles Jatau Shari, a retired Director in the State Ministry of Education; and Mr. Umbugadu Angbashim, Chairman of the Ezhiba community. They all reiterated their support for the governor and the council administrator, while calling for sustained government attention to grassroots development.

    Responding, Adigizi thanked the Ezhiba community for the visit and assured them of his commitment to partnering with the people to drive development in the area.

    He further pledged to uphold inclusive leadership that would promote unity, peace, and sustainable growth across communities under the Akun Area Administrative Council.

    The administrator also expressed readiness to initiate people-oriented policies and programmes that would have a direct and positive impact on the lives of residents.

  • Nasarawa Assembly Passes N545.2bn 2026 Appropriation Bill

    Nasarawa Assembly Passes N545.2bn 2026 Appropriation Bill

    The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N545.2 billion into law, following deliberations at plenary in Lafia on Tuesday.

    The approved budget represents an increase of N27.6 billion over the N517.5 billion proposal earlier presented to the House by Governor Abdullahi Sule.

    Announcing the passage, Speaker of the House, Danladi Jatau, described the development as a major legislative milestone, noting that the budget would enable the state government to implement people-oriented projects aimed at driving overall development across Nasarawa State.

    According to Jatau, the approved estimates allocate N316.26 billion for capital expenditure and N228.72 billion for recurrent expenditure. He explained that the increase in the budget size was necessitated by the prevailing inflationary pressure, which has significantly affected the cost of projects and service delivery.

    He disclosed that security-related votes received an additional N14 billion, while the Ministry of Local Government was allocated an extra N7 billion. The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism also got an additional N3.7 billion, alongside funding approval for the 55-kilometre Lafia–Kwandere–Garaku road project.

    The Speaker commended the House standing committees for what he described as their diligence and thoroughness during the budget defence and review process. He urged the executive arm to ensure full implementation of the budget once it receives the governor’s assent.

    “A Bill to authorise the issue of N545.18 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Nasarawa State for the 2026 financial year has scaled third reading and passed,” Jatau said.

    He subsequently directed the Clerk of the House to prepare a clean copy of the bill for transmission to the governor for assent.

    Earlier, the Majority Leader, Suleiman Azara, moved the motion for the passage of the bill, which was seconded by the Minority Leader, Luka Zhekaba. The bill was unanimously adopted by members of the House.

    Governor Sule had presented the initial N517.5 billion budget proposal to the Assembly on November 26, describing it as the “Budget of Strategic Consolidation.”

    During the presentation, he commended the legislature for its consistent support, particularly in ensuring the timely passage of appropriation bills.

  • Electric Vehicles: Nasarawa state to establish production plant

    The Nasarawa State Government says it will sustain efforts to utilising lithium resources in the state towards establishing the first electric vehicles factory in Nigeria.

    Gov. Abdullahi Sule stated this at an event organised by the Abdullahi Sule Gidan-Gidan Support Group to commemorate his six years in office.

    The event held on Sunday in Lafia.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state’s lithium reserves have garnered significant attention, particularly with the recent inauguration of a lithium processing factory in the state.

    The factory was built by Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited.

    Sule said that the development aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to promote clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

    He added that his government would ensure that all mineral resources, including lithium produced in the state were processed there before exported or transported to other states and countries.

    The governor added that in spite of government’s efforts, it was only the first stage of lithium processing that is currently taking place in the state.

    “We will continue to engage investors and strategic partners to ensure that the second stage, which is the production of battery and assembling of vehicles in the state.

    “My administration’s desire is to achieve this milestone,” Sule said.

    Sule, who feared that his administration may not complete the project, assured that his predecessor would bring it to fruition.

    Sule thanked President Bola Tinubu for his impressive economic reforms, promised to key into the president’s reforms for the overall development of the state.

    The governor also promised to use the remaining two years of his administration to better the lots of the citizens.

    Earlier, Hajiya Hussaina Sule and Chairperson of the support group, said that the event was to celebrate the achievements of the governor in the last six years.

    Sule, who is the governor’s daughter, commended him for executing a lot of legacy projects across the state.

    She listed some of the critical projects to include, flyovers and underpasses in Lafia and Akwanga, and the State Secretariat complex in Lafia.

    She added that the governor had also constructed over 600 kilometers of urban and rural roads, among others.

  • Nasarawa Assembly Confirms 16 Commissioners

    Nasarawa Assembly Confirms 16 Commissioners

    The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has approved 16 commissioner nominees sent by Governor Abdullahi Sule for positions in the State Executive Council.

    After two days of screening on February 17 and 18, lawmakers at the Assembly complex in Lafia gave their approval.

    The Speaker, Hon. Danladi Jatau announced the decision on Tuesday, congratulating the nominees and urging them to focus on policies that will improve the state’s development. He also advised them to maintain integrity in their duties.

    The confirmed nominees are Hon. Umar Tanko Tunga (Awe LGA), Dr. John D.W. Mamman (Kokona LGA), Hajiya Munirat Abdullahi (Doma LGA), Mr. Gabriel Agbashi (Doma LGA), Barr. Isaac Danladi Amadu (Karu LGA) and Princess Margaret Itaki Elayo (Keana LGA).

    Others are Dr. Ibrahim Tanko (Keffi LGA), Hon. Mohammed Aga Muluku (Nasarawa Eggon LGA), Hon. Aminu Mu’azu Maifata (Lafia LGA), CP Usman Baba (Rtd) (Lafia LGA), Hon. Mohammed Sani Ottos (Nasarawa LGA) and Barr. David Moyi (Obi LGA).

    Also confirmed are Dr. Gaza Gwamna (Toto LGA), Barr. Jugbo Hauwa Samuel (Wamba LGA), Hon. Mu’azu Adamu Gosho (Wamba LGA), and Hon. Yakubu Kwanta (Akwanga LGA).

    Jatau urged them to align with Governor Sule’s plans for the state’s progress. The Clerk of the House was directed to officially notify the governor of the confirmation.

    House Majority Leader Suleiman Yakubu Azara (APC–Awe North) moved the motion for approval, which Minority Leader Luka Iliya Zhekaba (PDP–Obi 2) supported.

    Lawmakers from the nominees’ constituencies backed their appointments, praising their leadership abilities as the assembly unanimously confirmed their selection.

  • Insubordinate commissioner nominee denied screening by Nasarawa assembly

    Insubordinate commissioner nominee denied screening by Nasarawa assembly

    Nasarawa House of Assembly has suspended the screening of Mr Yakubu Kwanta, a commissioner nominee and former Commissioner for Environment for failure to appear before a committee to defend the ministry’s 2024 budget performance.

    Mr Danladi Jatau, Speaker of the Assembly, announced the suspension of Kwanta’s screening on Monday in Lafia.

    It came following a motion by Mr Muhammed Omafefu (APC-Keana), the Chairman House Committee on Environment, during the Commissioner-nominees’ screening exercise.

    Omadefu said that the Assembly would not allow any government official to undermine its powers as the legislative arm saddled with the responsibility of making laws.

    “Mr Kwanta should send a strong apology letter to the House over his action when he was a  commissioner, otherwise we will consider him unfit for the screening,” he said.

    Other members who supported the motion and called for an apology from the former commissioner include Mr Mohammed Isimbabi, Mr Ajegana Kudu and Mr Hudu Hudu.

    They said that the written apology from the nominee would serve as a deterrent to others and save the integrity of the House.

    Meanwhile, the House has screened and approved seven of the 16 commissioner- nominees submitted by Gov. Abdullahi Sule on Feb.10.

    The Speaker congratulated the nominees and urged them to discharge their duties with the fear of God when they assume office.

    The nominees screened include Umar Tanko-Tunga from Awe Local Government Area(LGA), Dr John Mamman from Kokona LGA and  Hajiya Munirat Abdullahi from Doma LGA.

    Others are Mr Gabriel Agbashi from Doma LGA, Mr Isaac Danladi from Karu LGA, Princess Margret Elayo from Keana LGA and Dr Ibrahim Tanko from Keffi LGA.

  • Nasarawa ex-attorney-general appointed as SSG 

    Nasarawa ex-attorney-general appointed as SSG 

    Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Friday, swore in Labaran Magaji, immediate-past Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

    The appointment of Magaji follows the sack of the former SSG, Muhammad Ubandoma-Aliyu, alongside all Commissioners by the governor on Jan. 3, 2025.

    Speaking at the ceremony in Lafia, the governor expressed confidence that the new SSG would serve the administration well, given his antecedents, loyalty, and proven performance in all positions he held in the past.

    READ ALSO: Tinubu sacks Prof Maikudi as UNIABJA VC, others

    Sule thanked God Almighty for having another privilege to rejig his administration for optimal service delivery to the people of the state.

    “This was done to bring in new hands that will infuse new perspective into the system to enhance our capacity in the delivery of service for the progress and development of our dear state.

    “As you are aware, the SSG is a legal luminary, a reputable technocrat with global experience, and an unassuming politician, who served the state and the country in various capacities,” the governor said.

    Speaking after the inauguration, the SSG expressed gratitude to the governor for finding him worthy to serve the state in that capacity.

    Magaji promised to discharge his duties with all sense of responsibility and loyalty to the governor.

  • Governor Sule Restructures Nasarawa Leadership, Sacks SSG, Commissioners 

    Governor Sule Restructures Nasarawa Leadership, Sacks SSG, Commissioners 

    The proverbial musical chair was on display yesterday in Lafiya, Nasarawa State as members of the state executive reported to work only to return to their families without any portfolio as Gov Abdulahi had sacked them.

    The introduced a gale of changes to the state’s leadership by dismissing the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and disbanding his cabinet. 

    READ ALSO: Human Capital Development: Empowering Nigerians for Global Competitiveness

    Personal aides were also relieved of their duties during an emergency executive meeting held on Friday in Lafia.  

    While the governor has not disclosed the reasons behind this decision, the move has sparked mixed reactions. 

    Sources suggest the restructuring had been anticipated, with speculation that some officials may not return to their roles. 

    Celebrations reportedly erupted in some areas, with claims that the former SSG had hindered the administration’s progress.  

    This development follows a period of administrative challenges, leaving citizens awaiting further clarification on the next steps for the state government.

  • Supreme Court Judgement: Nasarawa State Moves to Reform LG Structure

    Supreme Court Judgement: Nasarawa State Moves to Reform LG Structure

    The Nasarawa State Government has introduced a bill to the State House of Assembly aimed at revising the local government system in line with the Supreme Court’s recent decision on local government autonomy.

    The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for a Law to Repeal and Re-enact the Establishment, Structure, Composition, Finance and Function of Local Government System in Nasarawa State, 2024,” seeks to update the current framework to reflect the new mandate.

    During a recent session, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, noted that the bill represents a move to reshape the local government structure to align with the Supreme Court’s ruling on financial independence for local councils.

     The House Leader, Hon. Suleiman Azara, presented the bill for the first reading, with the Minority Leader, Hon. Luka Zhekaba, providing support.

    The state government’s plan, as outlined by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Jonah Dizaho, includes the removal of the joint account system and the elimination of the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. 

    The second reading of the bill is scheduled for October 16, 2024.

  • Governor Sule Reacts As Nasarawa Students Die During Stampede

    Governor Sule Reacts As Nasarawa Students Die During Stampede

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has mandated a thorough investigation into the tragic stampede at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), which led to the deaths of two female students.

    The incident occurred on Friday during the state government’s distribution of palliatives to students across the state, an initiative aimed at alleviating the economic challenges faced by students.

    Reports from the scene indicated that the tragedy unfolded at the NSUK convocation square, the designated venue for the palliative distribution.

    The overcrowding and ensuing chaos resulted in suffocation and the unfortunate demise of two students, with several others sustaining injuries of varying severity.

    Governor Sule, in a statement conveyed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Addra, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives.

    “I pray their souls rest in peace. Our thoughts and condolences go to their families and friends at this moment of grief,” he said.

    Describing the deaths as painful, Governor Sule emphasized the importance of uncovering the circumstances that led to this unfortunate event and ensuring such a tragedy does not recur.

    The governor’s directive has prompted NSUK authorities and security agencies to initiate an immediate inquiry into the incident to identify the factors and individuals responsible for the stampede.

    In solidarity and concern, the state deputy governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, visited the injured students to offer support and ascertain their recovery progress.

    The palliative distribution initiative, praised for its intention to support students financially and nutritionally, had been successfully executed without incident in other educational institutions within the state, including the Federal University, Lafia, and the Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, among others.

  • Police Denies Involvement In Formation Of Vigilante Group

    Police Denies Involvement In Formation Of Vigilante Group

    The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, CP Shehu Umar Nadada, has dismissed claims of the police command’s involvement in the creation of a Fulani Nomad Vigilante team. 

    This comes in response to the recent formation of a 1,144-member security team by the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo.

    During a courtesy visit by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, CP Nadada clarified that the command had no prior knowledge of the establishment of the Fulani Nomad Vigilante team and cannot be held responsible for their actions.

    While acknowledging that the police provided security during the inauguration ceremony, CP Nadada emphasized that it was done solely to prevent potential disruptions and maintain law and order.

    Residents had expressed concerns about alleged collaboration between the police and the nomad vigilante group, but the Commissioner affirmed that the police only secured the event venue and had not officially endorsed the vigilante team.

    In his statement, CP Nadada asserted, “We have been working with some vigilante groups that are recognised by the government, but we will not work with any vigilante that is not recognised by the government.”

    The Chairman of the NUJ, Nasarawa State Council, Salihu Alkali, congratulated the CP on his recent posting and pledged cooperation to ensure the success of the police command’s programs.