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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Determined not to leave behind a trail of abandoned projects, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has read the riot act to members of the State Executive Council, directing them to halt fresh project requests and channel all energies towards completing and paying for ongoing contracts before the end of his tenure.
He made this known during the Executive Council meeting, at Government House, Lafia, where he also warned that he would not bequeath uncompleted or unpaid projects to the next administration, stressing that 2026 remains the only full working year before the 2027 election season takes centre stage.
“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 want us to give jobs, but I don’t want us as an administration to leave outstanding jobs to the next administration,” Sule declared.
He insisted that all projects awarded under his watch must not only be completed but fully paid for before handover.
“Please, I would like a situation where all the jobs we are giving will be completed by us, so that when we are handing over, we are handing over completed jobs, not just completed but paid. We should not leave either the payment of the job or the completion of the job to another administration,” he added.
Sule said the directive became necessary in view of mounting political activities, including the release of the All Progressives Congress timetable for congresses and that of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“This is the year that we have to make that decision because this is the full year that we have. Next year, we don’t have a full year to operate. That is why I call on you, please, let us focus. If you already have so many jobs out there, let’s go there and complete them before we start asking for additional jobs,” he said.
The meeting, attended by top government functionaries including the Secretary to the State Government, Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, SAN, and the Managing Director of NASIDA, Ibrahim Abdullahi.
He disclosed that a lithium processing plant would be commissioned in March by Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing it as a milestone in the state’s solid minerals drive.
The Keffi flyover, Akwanga underpass and bypass, rural roads across several local government areas, and new markets in Awe, Wamba, Nasarawa, Toto and Doma are among projects lined up for commissioning within the year. The dual flyover in Mararaba is also expected to be inaugurated between December and January next year.
On investments, Sule said the Squire cassava value chain city in Kokona and a proposed cashew value chain project by JJ Group are progressing, with foreign investors already conducting site inspections.
He also directed officials to safeguard the state’s 30 per cent equity in the Brekete Family housing estate project in Karu, warning against any deal that could shortchanged the government.
“It is very important that we have it in such a way that the state government is not shortchanged. Let us do something that is just and fair as we are taking that 30 per cent,” he cautioned.
On the political front, Sule acknowledged a recent solidarity rally and hinted at a renewed hope event at the Presidential Villa to be attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but warned commissioners not to allow politics to derail governance.
“For some of you who are political in nature, I know you are going to pay more attention to some of those things. But it is very important that we do not allow all these activities to distract us from what we are doing every day,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to leaving office with all major projects completed and paid for, declaring: “Let us concentrate on what we have started. Let us complete them and pay for them. That is the legacy we want to leave behind.”
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Meanwhile, a frontline aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Nasarawa State ahead of the 2027 election, Dr. Musa Muhammed Maikaya, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “bridge builder” committed to fostering unity and national development.
He made the remarks in an interview with Daily Sun, stressing on the importance of the APC ‘Thank You Tour’ organised by the Renewed Hope Initiative in Nasarawa State.
The event, anchored by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, SAN, drew party faithful and supporters from across the state in a show of solidarity for the APC-led administrations at both the federal and state levels.
According to Dr. Maikaya, President Tinubu’s leadership style reflects a deliberate effort to unite diverse interests across the country for the common good.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a bridge builder. He has shown capacity in bringing people together irrespective of political, ethnic or religious differences.
That is the kind of leadership Nigeria needs at this critical time,” he said.
The APC chieftain noted that the Renewed Hope agenda of the President was steadily gaining momentum, adding that the massive turnout at the rally was a testament to growing grassroots support.
Dr. Maikaya also used the occasion to commend Governor Abdullahi Sule for what he described as effective delivery of the dividends of democracy to the people of Nasarawa State.
“Governor Abdullahi Sule has performed creditably well. The impact of his administration is visible in infrastructure, economic reforms and social interventions. The dividends of democracy are not abstract; they are evident across the state,” he stated.
He said the governor’s policies have enhanced the state’s profile as an investment destination, while improving the welfare of citizens through strategic development projects.
Speaking on the role of the SSG, Dr. Maikaya described Dr. Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, SAN, as “a brother in progress,” applauding his foresight in initiating and anchoring the Renewed Hope Initiative in the state.
“I want to sincerely appreciate my brother in progress, Dr. Labaran Magaji Shuaibu, SAN, for his foresight in starting the Renewed Hope Initiative. The energy and vibe it has created have thrown Nasarawa State into national and even global discussions,” he said.
He maintained that the initiative has strengthened party unity and provided a structured platform for mobilising support for President Tinubu’s policies and programmes.
Dr. Maikaya added that the ‘Thank You Tour’ was not only an expression of gratitude to supporters but also a reaffirmation of the APC’s commitment to continuity and good governance.
“This tour is about appreciation and consolidation. We are thanking our people for their support and assuring them that the APC remains committed to delivering more democratic dividends,” he said.
The governorship hopeful further assured party members of sustained unity within the APC in Nasarawa State, expressing confidence that the party would build on its achievements as it looks ahead to future electoral contests.
