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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has taken the state’s solid mineral wealth to the global investment community at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, seeking foreign capital, technology and partnerships to develop the sector and create jobs.
Sule, who spoke with journalists yesterday after a briefing on Nigeria’s participation at the General Assembly, said Nasarawa would use the gathering to showcase its mineral resources and other investment opportunities to international investors and development partners.
His investment drive comes weeks after the state secured a mining licence from the Federal Government, allowing it to participate directly in mining activities and strengthen its stake in the exploitation of mineral resources within its territory.
The governor, who spoke alongside his Kebbi State counterpart, Nasir Idris, said the mineral endowments of the two states placed them in a strong position to attract international investment.
“The abundant solid mineral resources in Nasarawa and Kebbi states placed them in a strong position to attract international investors and promote economic development,” Sule said.
According to him, the UNGA provides an opportunity for states to engage investors and development partners beyond Nigeria and explore partnerships capable of translating natural resources into productive ventures.
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Sule said his administration was particularly interested in investments that could bring capital and technology into Nasarawa, create jobs and expand economic opportunities for residents.
He said the state had investment opportunities beyond solid minerals and would also pursue partnerships in other sectors capable of broadening its economic base.
Nasarawa has recently intensified efforts to increase its direct participation and earnings from mining. The state government disclosed earlier this month that it holds a mining licence valid until 2051 and has entered arrangements involving lithium mining operations.
Sule said engagements on the sidelines of UNGA offered sub-national governments an opportunity to present such investment propositions directly to an international audience and establish relationships that could translate into economic partnerships.
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly opened on September 8, while its high-level General Debate began on Tuesday, September 22, and runs through September 28 under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and is expected to participate in high-level engagements during the gathering.
Sule said his administration would continue to seek partnerships capable of converting Nasarawa’s natural resources and other economic opportunities into investment, jobs and improved livelihoods.
