The Nasarawa State government has initiated high-level talks with the Dangote Group to attract significant industrial investments to the state. Governor Abdullahi Sule revealed this development during an economic forum in Lafia, positioning the state as the next frontier for industrial growth in Nigeria’s North-Central region.
“We’re actively engaging with Aliko Dangote and his team to bring transformative projects to Nasarawa,” Governor Sule stated. “Given our mineral resources and strategic location, we’re ideal partners for their expansion plans.”
The discussions reportedly focus on three key sectors:
1. **Solid Minerals Development**: Leveraging Nasarawa’s deposits of limestone, baryte, and lead-zinc ores for cement production and mining operations
2. **Agricultural Processing**: Establishing large-scale rice mills and sugar processing plants to utilize the state’s agrarian potential
3. **Energy Solutions**: Exploring solar power projects to address electricity deficits
Nasarawa’s investment drive comes as the Dangote Group expands operations beyond its Lagos industrial base. The conglomerate recently commissioned a $2.5 billion fertilizer plant in Lagos and is completing Africa’s largest oil refinery.
State officials highlight several competitive advantages:
– Proximity to Abuja (just 50km from the state border)
– Abundant arable land (over 1.8 million hectares)
– Improving infrastructure, including the ongoing Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road project
Economic analysts suggest Nasarawa could become a manufacturing hub for Northern Nigeria if these negotiations succeed. The state government has pledged to provide necessary incentives, including tax holidays and streamlined permit processes.
This potential partnership follows Nasarawa’s recent success in attracting $500 million in mining investments from Chinese and Australian firms. Governor Sule expressed confidence that securing Dangote investments would create thousands of jobs and stimulate ancillary industries across the state.
As talks progress, business leaders await possible announcements during the upcoming North-Central Investment Summit scheduled for October in Lafia. The state’s aggressive pursuit of private sector partnerships reflects a broader regional shift toward industrialization as northern states seek to diversify their economies beyond agriculture.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate