NEWS

MAN EXPLORES “NIGERIAN FIRST POLICY” AND HONOURS GOVERNOR SULE FOR DRIVING INDUSTRIAL TRANSFORMATION

The Nasarawa State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to industrialization, local content development, and private sector-led economic growth as part of its long-term economic transformation strategy.

This assurance was delivered by the Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Mohammed Sani Otto, who represented the Government and people of Nasarawa State at the 12th Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture of the Abuja/Nasarawa/Niger Branch of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), held at Blake Excellency Resort, Garki, Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, the Commissioner commended the Manufacturer's Association of Nigeria (MAN) for sustaining an important platform that promotes dialogue, policy alignment, and collaboration within the manufacturing ecosystem—particularly in a period when resilience, innovation, and regional synergy are crucial to sustainable development.

Otto described the theme of this year’s gathering—“The Nigerian First Policy: Implications for Local Manufacturers”—as timely and highly relevant, adding that it aligns with Nasarawa State’s industrial priorities under Governor Sule’s leadership.

“It is a call to action—one that challenges us to promote indigenous production, deepen local content, and reduce reliance on imports. This is exactly what we’re already pursuing through our Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEEDS),” he said.

The Commissioner noted that the NEEDS framework is built on three core pillars: agriculture, mining, and industrialization, with manufacturing seen as the engine that connects them.

Highlighting progress, Otto explained that the State has moved beyond farmer support to direct participation in large-scale farming, including the ongoing cultivation of over 5,500 hectares of rice in Awe Local Government Area.

He also proudly stated that Nasarawa now hosts Nigeria’s largest lithium processing plant, located in his own local government area and ward. Additional mineral-based industrial projects—including tantalite processing—are in advanced stages, underscoring Nasarawa’s emergence as a mineral processing hub.

The Commissioner also revealed that modern markets have been constructed across towns and semi-urban areas to support trade and SME development, improving the ease of doing business and fostering inclusive participation in commerce.

Governor Sule Receives Award for Industrial Contributions

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a special recognition award to His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, in appreciation of his resourceful contributions toward industrializing Nasarawa State. The award was received on his behalf by Hon. Mohammed Sani Otto, amid applause from stakeholders and industry leaders.

The recognition, Otto noted, is a testament to Governor Sule’s proactive leadership in positioning Nasarawa as a destination of choice for manufacturing and resource-based investment.

Investors Express Interest in Nasarawa

The event also witnessed the attendance of foreign investors, some of whom expressed commitment to exploring investment opportunities in Nasarawa State, citing the state’s rich resources, strategic location, and progressive governance as key attractions.

Otto concluded his address by reaffirming that Nasarawa State sees MAN not only as a stakeholder but a strategic partner in its industrial journey. He extended an open invitation to both local and international investors to take a closer look at the state’s expanding industrial landscape.

“We are open for business, and we are ready to collaborate. With your partnership, we can build a future where manufacturing drives prosperity—not just for Nasarawa State, but for the nation as a whole,” he said.

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