Nasarawa Assembly Passes N545.2bn 2026 Appropriation Bill

Nasarawa Assembly Passes N545.2bn 2026 Budget, Raises Allocation Amid Inflation Pressures

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N545.2 billion into law, following deliberations at plenary in Lafia on Tuesday. The approved budget represents an increase of N27.6 billion over the N517.5 billion proposal earlier presented to the House by Governor Abdullahi Sule. Announcing the passage, Speaker of the House, Danladi Jatau, described the development as a major legislative milestone, noting that the budget would enable the state government to implement people-oriented projects aimed at driving overall development across Nasarawa State. According to Jatau, the approved estimates allocate N316.26 billion for capital expenditure and N228.72 billion for recurrent expenditure. He explained that the increase in the budget size was necessitated by the prevailing inflationary pressure, which has significantly affected the cost of projects and service delivery. He disclosed that security-related votes received an additional N14 billion, while the Ministry of Local Government was allocated an extra N7 billion. The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism also got an additional N3.7 billion, alongside funding approval for the 55-kilometre Lafia–Kwandere–Garaku road project. The Speaker commended the House standing committees for what he described as their diligence and thoroughness during the budget defence and review process. He urged the executive arm to ensure full implementation of the budget once it receives the governor’s assent. “A Bill to authorise the issue of N545.18 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Nasarawa State for the 2026 financial year has scaled third reading and passed,” Jatau said. He subsequently directed the Clerk of the House to prepare a clean copy of the bill for transmission to the governor for assent. Earlier, the Majority Leader, Suleiman Azara, moved the motion for the passage of the bill, which was seconded by the Minority Leader, Luka Zhekaba. The bill was unanimously adopted by members of the House. Governor Sule had presented the initial N517.5 billion budget proposal to the Assembly on November 26, describing it as the “Budget of Strategic Consolidation.” During the presentation, he commended the legislature for its consistent support, particularly in ensuring the timely passage of appropriation bills.

Gov Sule urges APC aspirants to be calm ahead of 2027 polls

Nasarawa State Gov. Abdullahi Sule has urged stakeholders, especially APC governorship aspirants, not to overheat the polity but to follow due process. He gave the advice during a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa West Senatorial Zone held in Keffi on Sunday. The governor said he would announce his preferred successor in 2027 at the appropriate time, without fear or favour. Sule promised to ensure justice and fairness during the party’s primaries for the progress and development of the APC in the state. Read Also: Gov Sule tasks leadership of APC on quality projects He emphasised that true political power comes from Allah, who alone determines leadership. “But A.A. Sule also has the right to support someone. When the time comes, I’ll clearly name my preferred candidate. “And I will not be afraid to publicly endorse who I believe should succeed me,” the governor said. He appreciated the initiators of the meeting for promoting unity and progress within the zone’s party structure. He also called on other zones to organise similar engagements for the benefit of the party in the state. “I am responsible for ensuring the primary election is free, fair, and transparent,” he said. He urged all party stakeholders to unite and work for the APC’s success beyond the 2027 elections, reminding them power is from God. Sule also thanked stakeholders, aspirants, and supporters for demonstrating maturity during President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to the state. Earlier, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu said it is now the Western Zone’s turn to produce the next Governor of Nasarawa State. He said the meeting aimed to foster unity among stakeholders and mobilise support for the zone’s 2027 governorship bid. “Keffi Zone governed for eight years, Lafia for twelve. Akwanga is currently serving its second and final term. “Therefore, the Western (Keffi) Zone should produce the next governor in 2027,” Adamu said. Adamu, a former APC National Chairman, urged the zone to remain united to achieve the 2027 governorship goal. Several prominent APC leaders attended the meeting in Keffi. Present were Prof. Abdulkarim Kana, APC Legal Adviser; Hajiya Imaan Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs; and Mr Abdulmumin Ari, among others. Also present were Mr Shuaibu Labaran Magaji, the SSG; Alh. Aliyu Tijani, Federal Commissioner; and other politicians and party faithful. (

Electric Vehicles: Nasarawa state to establish production plant

The Nasarawa State Government says it will sustain efforts to utilising lithium resources in the state towards establishing the first electric vehicles factory in Nigeria. Gov. Abdullahi Sule stated this at an event organised by the Abdullahi Sule Gidan-Gidan Support Group to commemorate his six years in office. The event held on Sunday in Lafia. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state’s lithium reserves have garnered significant attention, particularly with the recent inauguration of a lithium processing factory in the state. The factory was built by Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited. Sule said that the development aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to promote clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. He added that his government would ensure that all mineral resources, including lithium produced in the state were processed there before exported or transported to other states and countries. The governor added that in spite of government’s efforts, it was only the first stage of lithium processing that is currently taking place in the state. “We will continue to engage investors and strategic partners to ensure that the second stage, which is the production of battery and assembling of vehicles in the state. “My administration’s desire is to achieve this milestone,” Sule said. Sule, who feared that his administration may not complete the project, assured that his predecessor would bring it to fruition. Sule thanked President Bola Tinubu for his impressive economic reforms, promised to key into the president’s reforms for the overall development of the state. The governor also promised to use the remaining two years of his administration to better the lots of the citizens. Earlier, Hajiya Hussaina Sule and Chairperson of the support group, said that the event was to celebrate the achievements of the governor in the last six years. Sule, who is the governor’s daughter, commended him for executing a lot of legacy projects across the state. She listed some of the critical projects to include, flyovers and underpasses in Lafia and Akwanga, and the State Secretariat complex in Lafia. She added that the governor had also constructed over 600 kilometers of urban and rural roads, among others.

Mining Marshals arrest 3 foreigners, shutdown mining site

The Mining Marshals have shut down an illegal mining site in the Rafin-Gabas community of Kokona Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, confirmed this in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Thursday in Abuja. Alake stated that the Mining Marshals, a security outfit established by the Ministry, dismantled the site and arrested three foreigners. He described the operation as a major step toward curbing illegal mining and sanitising the sector. The site, he said, had long evaded law enforcement and was reportedly protected by compromised security personnel. “However, following a strategic and well-coordinated operation, the Mining Marshals penetrated the stronghold, leading to the arrest of three foreign nationals. “Several other suspects managed to flee, allegedly with the help of security operatives,” he said. The minister commended the Marshals, describing the operation as a breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal mining and ensuring accountability. Meanwhile, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Onoja, said a manhunt was underway for the escaped suspects. Onoja added that investigations were ongoing to identify security personnel who facilitated the illegal activities. According to him, the company behind the illegal operations, along with some fugitives, have pending criminal charges in the Federal High Court, Abuja. The Federal Government has arrested 327 suspects and prosecuted 143 for illegal mining since the Marshals began operations in 2024. The Marshals, drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were trained in tactical skills to combat illegal miners, bandits, and other criminal elements.

Nasarawa Assembly Confirms 16 Commissioners

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has approved 16 commissioner nominees sent by Governor Abdullahi Sule for positions in the State Executive Council. After two days of screening on February 17 and 18, lawmakers at the Assembly complex in Lafia gave their approval. The Speaker, Hon. Danladi Jatau announced the decision on Tuesday, congratulating the nominees and urging them to focus on policies that will improve the state’s development. He also advised them to maintain integrity in their duties. The confirmed nominees are Hon. Umar Tanko Tunga (Awe LGA), Dr. John D.W. Mamman (Kokona LGA), Hajiya Munirat Abdullahi (Doma LGA), Mr. Gabriel Agbashi (Doma LGA), Barr. Isaac Danladi Amadu (Karu LGA) and Princess Margaret Itaki Elayo (Keana LGA). Others are Dr. Ibrahim Tanko (Keffi LGA), Hon. Mohammed Aga Muluku (Nasarawa Eggon LGA), Hon. Aminu Mu’azu Maifata (Lafia LGA), CP Usman Baba (Rtd) (Lafia LGA), Hon. Mohammed Sani Ottos (Nasarawa LGA) and Barr. David Moyi (Obi LGA). Also confirmed are Dr. Gaza Gwamna (Toto LGA), Barr. Jugbo Hauwa Samuel (Wamba LGA), Hon. Mu’azu Adamu Gosho (Wamba LGA), and Hon. Yakubu Kwanta (Akwanga LGA). Jatau urged them to align with Governor Sule’s plans for the state’s progress. The Clerk of the House was directed to officially notify the governor of the confirmation. House Majority Leader Suleiman Yakubu Azara (APC–Awe North) moved the motion for approval, which Minority Leader Luka Iliya Zhekaba (PDP–Obi 2) supported. Lawmakers from the nominees’ constituencies backed their appointments, praising their leadership abilities as the assembly unanimously confirmed their selection.

Insubordinate commissioner nominee denied screening by Nasarawa assembly

Nasarawa House of Assembly has suspended the screening of Mr Yakubu Kwanta, a commissioner nominee and former Commissioner for Environment for failure to appear before a committee to defend the ministry’s 2024 budget performance. Mr Danladi Jatau, Speaker of the Assembly, announced the suspension of Kwanta’s screening on Monday in Lafia. It came following a motion by Mr Muhammed Omafefu (APC-Keana), the Chairman House Committee on Environment, during the Commissioner-nominees’ screening exercise. Omadefu said that the Assembly would not allow any government official to undermine its powers as the legislative arm saddled with the responsibility of making laws. “Mr Kwanta should send a strong apology letter to the House over his action when he was a  commissioner, otherwise we will consider him unfit for the screening,” he said. Other members who supported the motion and called for an apology from the former commissioner include Mr Mohammed Isimbabi, Mr Ajegana Kudu and Mr Hudu Hudu. They said that the written apology from the nominee would serve as a deterrent to others and save the integrity of the House. Meanwhile, the House has screened and approved seven of the 16 commissioner- nominees submitted by Gov. Abdullahi Sule on Feb.10. The Speaker congratulated the nominees and urged them to discharge their duties with the fear of God when they assume office. The nominees screened include Umar Tanko-Tunga from Awe Local Government Area(LGA), Dr John Mamman from Kokona LGA and  Hajiya Munirat Abdullahi from Doma LGA. Others are Mr Gabriel Agbashi from Doma LGA, Mr Isaac Danladi from Karu LGA, Princess Margret Elayo from Keana LGA and Dr Ibrahim Tanko from Keffi LGA.

Nasarawa ex-attorney-general appointed as SSG 

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Friday, swore in Labaran Magaji, immediate-past Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The appointment of Magaji follows the sack of the former SSG, Muhammad Ubandoma-Aliyu, alongside all Commissioners by the governor on Jan. 3, 2025. Speaking at the ceremony in Lafia, the governor expressed confidence that the new SSG would serve the administration well, given his antecedents, loyalty, and proven performance in all positions he held in the past. READ ALSO: Tinubu sacks Prof Maikudi as UNIABJA VC, others Sule thanked God Almighty for having another privilege to rejig his administration for optimal service delivery to the people of the state. “This was done to bring in new hands that will infuse new perspective into the system to enhance our capacity in the delivery of service for the progress and development of our dear state. “As you are aware, the SSG is a legal luminary, a reputable technocrat with global experience, and an unassuming politician, who served the state and the country in various capacities,” the governor said. Speaking after the inauguration, the SSG expressed gratitude to the governor for finding him worthy to serve the state in that capacity. Magaji promised to discharge his duties with all sense of responsibility and loyalty to the governor.

Dry season farming: Heifer Int’l inaugurates 160 solar-powered pumps in Nasarawa state

Heifer International Nigeria, on Thursday inaugurated 160 solar-powered water pumping machines in Lafia to support smallholder farmers and boost irrigation in the state. Heifer International (also known as Heifer Project International) is a global nonprofit organisation, working to eradicate poverty and hunger through sustainable, values-based holistic community development. Dr Lekan Tobe, Country Director of Heifer International Nigeria, who spoke at the event, said that the provision of the pumping machines was to  empower smallholder farmers and encourage them to adopt irrigation practices. According to the country director, the initiative is prompted by the high cost of fuel, which led many smallholder farmers to abandon irrigation. SEE ALSO: Federal Government to complete digitisation of 774 LGAs by 2027 “A lot of farmers usually rely on fuel-powered water pumps, but with the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government in 2024, fuel has become  unaffordable for smallholder farmers. “The solar-powered pump offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to this challenge and will help increase productivity,” he said. Tobe said that 160 smallholder farmers would benefit from the pilot project in Nasarawa State. He further said that the pilot project would also enable farmers test the effectiveness and efficiency of the technology. In his remarks, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State appreciated the organisation for aligning with his administration’s quest to promote agriculture and ensure food security in the state. The governor represented by Umar Abdullahi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, expressed optimism that the technology would increase the income of farmers, increase production and reduce high cost of food. He reiterated the administration’s willingness to partner any organisation interested in promoting agriculture for the overall development of the state. Also speaking, the Managing Director, Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA), Ibrahim Abdullahi, represented by Fatima Zakari, said the deployment of solar-powered pumping machines would promote dry-season farming. SEE ALSO: Addressing the challenge of frequent grid collapse in Nigeria The NASIDA boss added that it would also promote sustained agricultural practice and ensure food security. He encouraged farmers to embrace the technology as it would reduce cost of production by more than 50 per cent, given the fact that the power source – the sun, is free. He applauded Heifer International for the initiative to empower rural farmers and communities in the state and urged other organisations to emulate them.

Governor Sule Restructures Nasarawa Leadership, Sacks SSG, Commissioners 

The proverbial musical chair was on display yesterday in Lafiya, Nasarawa State as members of the state executive reported to work only to return to their families without any portfolio as Gov Abdulahi had sacked them. The introduced a gale of changes to the state’s leadership by dismissing the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and disbanding his cabinet.  READ ALSO: Human Capital Development: Empowering Nigerians for Global Competitiveness Personal aides were also relieved of their duties during an emergency executive meeting held on Friday in Lafia.   While the governor has not disclosed the reasons behind this decision, the move has sparked mixed reactions.  Sources suggest the restructuring had been anticipated, with speculation that some officials may not return to their roles.  Celebrations reportedly erupted in some areas, with claims that the former SSG had hindered the administration’s progress.   This development follows a period of administrative challenges, leaving citizens awaiting further clarification on the next steps for the state government.