Nasarawa Allocation Rises to N16bn Following Federal Economic Reforms

Nasarawa State’s monthly allocation from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has experienced a significant increase, rising from an average of N3.8 billion–N4.5 billion prior to fuel subsidy removal to between N14 billion and N16 billion monthly.

Governor Abdullahi Sule disclosed the figures while hosting a delegation from the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National Media Tour, led by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, at the Government House in Lafia.

Governor Sule attributed the revenue growth directly to the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, specifically the removal of the petrol subsidy and foreign exchange reforms. According to the governor, the policies freed up critical financial resources that were previously consumed by subsidies across all tiers of government.

Detailing the state’s past financial challenges, Sule noted that upon taking office in 2019, Nasarawa operated on a annual budget of around N90 billion with a revenue performance of roughly 66 percent. At the time, obtaining a N5 billion commercial bond to fund basic infrastructure required extensive negotiations and an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order.

Following the increase in statutory allocations, the governor stated that the state government has executed over N90 billion in major infrastructure projects without resorting to external borrowing. Key completed and ongoing projects include:

* A combined overhead and underground flyover valued at N16.7 billion.

* The Keffi flyover, constructed for N11.4 billion.

* The Akwanga Township Road dualisation (N7.1 billion) and underpass (N6.6 billion).

* The dualisation of Shendam Road (N5.6 billion).

* A twin flyover in Karu designed to improve transit and boost regional property values.

* The Amba Bridge stormwater drainage channel (N3.3 billion).

Beyond physical infrastructure, Governor Sule highlighted advances in solid minerals development. He credited federal policy reforms enforced in partnership with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake which mandate in-state processing of raw minerals before export. Consequently, Nasarawa State established Africa’s largest lithium mining and processing facility, attracting significant foreign commercial interest, particularly from Asian markets.

In other sectors, the administration reported cultivating 10,000 hectares of rice under state agricultural programs and establishing a vocational skills acquisition facility offering practical training across 12 trades for residents.

In his remarks, Presidential Aide Bayo Onanuga stated that the media tour aimed to independently verify developmental claims and federal-state project execution on the ground to ensure public accountability.