Setting the Record Straight: Why Governor Abdullahi Sule’s Development Projects Matter to Nasarawa State
By Comr. Jaafar M. Loko, Specialssistant to the Governor on Community Engagement
Recent commentary by Barr. Ayiwulu Baba Ayiwulu questioning the developmental projects of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule has generated public debate. While criticism remains an essential pillar of democracy, it is equally important that such criticism reflects facts, context, and the long-term vision behind government policies. This response seeks to clarify the strategic objectives of the Sule administration’s development agenda, particularly in infrastructure, industrialization, healthcare, education, and security, while highlighting the role of constructive opposition in strengthening democratic governance.
Flyover Projects: More Than Concrete Structures
Describing the flyovers in Lafia, Keffi, Akwanga, and Karu as “cosmetic projects” ignores their strategic economic and developmental significance. The projects, valued at approximately ₦39 billion, are designed to address decades of traffic congestion along major federal highways that traverse Nasarawa State. Beyond easing vehicular movement, they improve logistics, reduce travel time, lower transportation costs, and stimulate commercial activities.
https://globaltimesnigeria.com/2026/07/26/governor-sule-china-visit-nasarawa-lithium-investment/
The Keffi Flyover, Akwanga Underpass, and road dualisation projects are components of a broader urban renewal strategy aimed at positioning Nasarawa State as a gateway to the Federal Capital Territory and a regional investment destination. Modern infrastructure is not merely about beautification; it is a catalyst for economic expansion, improved mobility, and sustainable urban planning.
Industrialisation Beyond Political Rhetoric
The suggestion that Governor Sule’s industrialisation agenda exists only on paper fails to acknowledge major investments already attracted into the state. The Dangote Sugar Refinery project represents a significant agricultural and industrial investment that has created employment opportunities while boosting economic activities within host communities.
Similarly, Nasarawa State has become one of Nigeria’s emerging lithium investment destinations through projects such as the Ganfeng Lithium Mining Company and other mining investors. Collectively valued at over $250 million, these investments are expected to support Nigeria’s growing lithium processing industry, create skilled and unskilled jobs, encourage technology transfer, and expand the state’s internally generated economic opportunities.
These are measurable achievements that demonstrate a deliberate policy of attracting foreign direct investment and diversifying the state’s economy beyond dependence on federal allocations. Investing in Healthcare and Education
No administration claims perfection, and Governor Sule has consistently acknowledged existing challenges in healthcare and education.
However, significant efforts have been made to strengthen both sectors. The ongoing upgrade of the General Hospital, Akwanga, into a Specialist Hospital reflects the government’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare. The administration has also continued advocating improved medical facilities, including advanced diagnostic equipment for Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital.
In education, the government has embarked on one of the largest school improvement programmes in the state’s history.
These include:
Massive recruitment of primary and secondary school teachers.
Construction and renovation of classrooms and administrative buildings.
Provision of sanitation facilities in public schools.
Partnership with the World Bank to upgrade hundreds of secondary schools across the state.
These interventions are aimed at improving learning outcomes and addressing longstanding infrastructure deficits.
Security as a Foundation for Development
Security remains central to Governor Sule’s development agenda.
Although isolated security challenges still exist in parts of the state, Nasarawa continues to rank among Nigeria’s more peaceful states. The administration understands that sustainable investment, infrastructure development, education, and healthcare can only flourish in a secure environment. Consequently, security agencies continue to receive government support in maintaining peace and protecting lives and property.
A Holistic Development Vision
Governor Abdullahi Sule’s development philosophy extends beyond high-profile infrastructure projects. The administration combines investments in roads, bridges, healthcare, education, agriculture, mining, and industrialisation to build a diversified economy capable of creating opportunities for present and future generations.
Each project forms part of a long-term strategy to improve living standards, attract investment, and position Nasarawa State among Nigeria’s leading investment destinations.
The Place of Responsible Opposition
Constructive opposition remains indispensable in every democratic society.
Opposition leaders perform an important constitutional responsibility by questioning government decisions, demanding accountability, and proposing alternative policies. However, effective opposition must be rooted in facts, objectivity, and the overall interest of the people.
Projects such as the Keffi–Mararaba–Nyanya road corridor have significantly reduced travel time for thousands of commuters and improved access to the Federal Capital Territory. Likewise, the reconstruction of the Keffi Total Roundabout addresses a location previously associated with numerous fatal accidents.
When projects that produce visible public benefits are dismissed without acknowledging their positive impact, such criticism risks appearing politically motivated rather than evidence-based. Democracy thrives when criticism encourages better governance—not when it disregards measurable achievements.
Conclusion:
Governor Abdullahi A. Sule’s administration continues to pursue a balanced development agenda focused on infrastructure renewal, industrial growth, healthcare, education, security, and economic diversification. Healthy public debate should always be encouraged, but such conversations must remain fair, factual, and centred on the collective interest of Nasarawa State.
Constructive criticism strengthens democracy. Equally, acknowledging genuine developmental progress promotes public confidence and inspires better governance.
As Nasarawa State continues its development journey, government, opposition, civil society, and citizens all share a common responsibility—to place the welfare of the people above politics.
Comr. Jaafar M. Loko is the Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Engagement