By Yahaya Idris, Lafia.
In its bid to boost economic base, Nasarawa State Government has sought collaboration with the government of Belgium in the areas of agriculture and oil service, among others.
The state governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, disclosed when he hosted the Beigium Ambassador to Nigeria, who came on a courtesy call, at the Government House, on Monday.
He told the Envoy that the state has great opportunities for investments, is looking for partnership especially in the area of agriculture, stressing that Nasarawa State is well placed for several reasons, to be able to have a wonderful relationship with Belgium.
The Governor told the Belgian Ambassador that Nasarawa State has tremendous opportunities in the area of agriculture, with his administration working hard in the areas of diary production and solar power.
While noting that Belgium is known for its leadership role in area of oil services, the Governor expressed hope that soon, Nasarawa State will go into exploration and eventual development and production of its oil reserve.
“And that is one area your companies will come and we can begin to look up so that they can set up in preparation of activities to take place,” he said.
Engineer Sule equally sought collaboration with Belgium in the area of health and education, informing the envoy of the recently signed Child’s Right Protection law banning street begging across the state.
He told the visitor that the law was enacted to protect children, urging for a further collaboration to educate children in the state.
“We also know you support health and education and we believe in Nasarawa State we can work with you. We seek your support in order to educate our youth, our children.
“We believe we can go into partnership with you as part of your social development, to see how we can work in those areas,” Engineer Sule stated.
Earlier, in his address, Daniel Dargent, the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, said it’s important as his country’s envoy, reach out to the states with a view to seeking areas of collaboration and partnership.
While commending the Nasarawa State Government for setting its development strategy, the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS), Dargent identified agriculture and solid minerals as key areas of collaboration with his country.
The Belgian envoy said his country and Nasarawa State can also partner in the area of students exchange.
“Of course, Nigeria is a big country, you should not restrict yourself to the central authorities but go beyond to see what the country can offer and what we can offer to states in Nigeria,” Dargent said.
