Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has issued a directive to members of the State Executive Council (ExCo), urging them to concentrate on completing existing projects rather than embarking on new initiatives. He emphasized his intention not to leave any unfinished or unpaid contracts for the next administration.
The Governor made this announcement during the initial Executive Council meeting of the year at the Government House in Lafia, pointing out that 2026 is the last full operational year ahead of the upcoming general elections in 2027.
"I want us to focus and concentrate on completion rather than new projects. Every day I see new requests, especially from the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Education, and NUDA. I don’t want us as an administration to leave outstanding jobs to the next administration," Sule stated.
He underlined the significance of ensuring that all projects are completed and fully paid for before the conclusion of his term.
"Please, I would like a situation where all the jobs we are giving will be completed by us and paid for. When we are handing over, we are not leaving either the payment or completion of projects to another administration," he explained.
The Governor cautioned that political activities, including the recently published All Progressives Congress (APC) congress timetable and the election schedule from the Independent National Electoral Commission, might serve as distractions if not handled properly.
"This is the full year we have. Next year is not a full year to operate. Let us focus on completing the jobs we already have before asking for additional ones," he reiterated.
Governor Sule introduced an extensive commissioning agenda for 2026, describing the year as potentially the most productive of his time in office.
He revealed that the state’s lithium processing plant is scheduled to be commissioned in March 2026 by Vice President Kashim Shettima, marking a significant milestone in the development of Nasarawa’s solid mineral resources.
The Nigeria Institute of Public Relations University of Leadership is expected to be inaugurated between July and August, with academic activities set to commence in November.
Planned infrastructure projects for commissioning include the Keffi flyover (scheduled for October or November), the Akwanga underpass and dualisation project (June to July), and several markets in various local government areas between April and May. The dual flyover in Mararaba is anticipated to be commissioned between December 2026 and January 2027.
Additionally, rural road projects in Akwanga, Wamba, Nasarawa Eggon, Karu, and Lafia are projected to be completed by August.
On the topic of investment, the Governor mentioned the Squire cassava value chain city project in Kokona Local Government Area, which will cover 10,000 hectares and is expected to be commissioned within the year. He also provided information regarding a prospective 10,000-hectare cashew value chain initiative by JJ Group, with Indian investors currently assessing the site.
Concerning the Brekete Family housing estate in the Karu Local Government Area, Sule instructed the Nasarawa State Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA) to collaborate with the Attorney General to secure the state’s 30 percent equity stake legally.
"It is crucial that the state government is not disadvantaged. Let us ensure that the 30 percent equity is just, feasible, realistic, and fair," he stated.
The Governor commended security forces and community leaders for maintaining peace in the state, describing Nasarawa as one of the most tranquil regions in the country.
In terms of institutional advancements, he announced that the Nasarawa State Infectious Diseases Centre in Lafia has been transferred to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, including all associated assets and liabilities.
Furthermore, he revealed plans for Nasarawa State University, Keffi, to celebrate its 25th anniversary in April with a convocation ceremony expected to welcome international dignitaries.
Reiterating his earlier directive, Sule urged commissioners, particularly those in charge of Works, Trade and Industry, and Rural Development, to ensure that all ongoing contracts are finalized within the designated timeframe.
Umar Muhammed in Lafia
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