By Ali Abare
In these challenging times when Nigeria is undergoing necessary but difficult economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, it is understandable that many citizens are experiencing hardship.
Nasarawa State is no exception to these nationwide challenges. However, what is exceptional is how Nasarawa State, under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, has continued to make remarkable progress despite these economic headwinds.
While critics are quick to blame leaders for every difficulty, it is pertinent to recognize the tremendous transformation occurring across Nasarawa State—a reality that speaks louder than any criticism.
Governor Sule has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transparency, honesty, and accountability in managing public resources since assuming office in 2019. His approach to governance combines private-sector efficiency with public-service ethos, bringing unprecedented progress to critical sectors including agriculture, mining, industrialization, health, and education.
Rather than engaging in the political blame game that often characterizes the nation’s democracy, the governor has focused on delivering tangible results for the people of Nasarawa State. Even the most skeptical observers cannot deny his visible zeal, commitment, and determination to develop the state against all odds.
It is true that no human endeavor is perfect, and Governor Sule does not claim to have solutions to every challenge facing the state. Development is indeed a process that occurs in phases, and what is being witnessed in Nasarawa is a steady, purposeful journey toward sustainable development.
While some choose to focus on shortfalls, the overwhelming majority of citizens within and outside the state acknowledge the uncommon leadership style and concrete accomplishments of this administration. The attempts by a few individuals to rewrite history, denying the visible transformations happening across the state, are not only unfortunate but fundamentally dishonest.
One of Governor Sule’s most significant achievements lies in how he has transformed Nigeria’s political culture from rivalry to partnership. In a political landscape notorious for bitter transitions and abandoned projects, Governor Sule has nurtured genuinely cordial relationships with his predecessors, Senators Abdullahi Adamu and Umaru Tanko Al-makura.
This seamless partnership between current and former leaders has transformed political transition into a developmental asset, creating a model of continuity, collaboration, and visionary leadership that stands apart in Nigeria’s turbulent political environment. This bridge-building approach has accelerated progress in a state once hampered by fragmented governance.
Under Governor Sule’s leadership, Nasarawa State has been repositioned as a major player in agriculture, mining, and industrialization. His administration passed Executive Order No. 2, which fundamentally changed the history of mining and solid minerals development in the state.
Before 2019, Nasarawa State—known as the Home of Solid Minerals—never benefited financially from mining activities. Today, the state is experiencing a ‘Lithium Rush’ with Chinese companies investing heavily in mining and processing this valuable resource, which has the potential to revolutionize not only the state’s economy but Nigeria as a whole.
The recognition from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, which honored Governor Sule by selecting Nasarawa State to host the combined 5th and 6th National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development, is testament to this revolutionary achievement.
The economic diversification efforts are showing concrete results. The Nasarawa Internal Revenue Service generated N16.5 billion from January to August 2025, drawing revenue from mining, banks, construction companies, and other sources. This improved revenue generation has enabled the state to invest in critical areas despite national economic challenges.
Governor Sule’s background as a technocrat and former Group Managing Director of the Dangote Group has brought valuable private-sector expertise to governance, attracting significant investments and driving economic growth.
In the area of infrastructure development, Governor Sule has systematically completed inherited projects while initiating new ones. The Farin Ruwa Dam and urban renewal initiatives stand as monuments to his philosophy of developmental continuity.
His administration has also pioneered the Nasarawa Open Government Initiative, digitizing budget tracking and procurement processes to curb graft. Through this innovative system, citizens can access real-time data on project expenditures, while quarterly public accountability forums invite scrutiny and feedback.
This commitment to transparency has resulted in an 80% reduction in procurement-related petitions and earned Nasarawa State first place in North-Central Nigeria for fiscal transparency according to the BudgIT Index.
What makes Governor Sule’s leadership particularly remarkable is his humility and people-centered approach. He has redefined governance through what can be described as “humility in leadership”.
The administration’s vision for a 21st-century Nasarawa State is evident in its technological initiatives. The Nasarawa Technology Village, a joint venture with global tech firms, has attracted ₦28 billion in private investments and created over 1,500 jobs for youths.
This project aims to position Nasarawa as Nigeria’s next innovation hub, demonstrating the Governor’s forward-thinking approach to development. Similarly, his agricultural reforms deploy smart farming tools and partnerships with agribusinesses to empower rural farmers, boosting yields and livelihoods through initiatives like the Jangwa Rice Farm, which is geared toward ensuring food security.
Governor Sule acknowledges the role of constructive criticism in democracy and has shown willingness to be corrected to become more impactful. However, there is a significant difference between constructive criticism that aims to improve governance and the relentless churn of hate speech and personal attacks that is being witnessed on social media platforms.
It is particularly concerning when these attacks come from individuals who mask their real identities through proxy social media accounts, avoiding accountability for their words while attempting to undermine a leader who is genuinely dedicated to serving his people.
The governor has made it clear that he remains focused on delivering results rather than engaging in early political campaigns. When supporters recently began advocating for him to run for the Nasarawa North Senate seat in 2027, he promptly asked them to desist from such distractions, emphasizing that his attention is fully dedicated to the remaining two years of his administration.
This commitment to focusing on his current mandate rather than future political ambitions demonstrates his exceptional dedication to service.
As Nigeria implements difficult but necessary reforms to tackle long-standing economic obstacles, state governors like Abdullahi Sule are managing a complex situation that requires balancing short-term pain with long-term gain.
The International Monetary Fund has acknowledged that while Nigeria’s reforms are starting to show results, poverty and food insecurity remain high, and the uncertain global environment presents additional challenges. In this context, the progress being made in Nasarawa State is even more impressive.
As the people look toward the future, it must be recognized that the current hardships are temporary, while the benefits of good governance and sound economic policies will be lasting. Governor Sule’s greatest legacy may be inspiring the country to replace transition “tug-of-war” with the unifying purpose of progress.
In a region where political change often ignites regression, Nasarawa State shines as a guiding light, proving that the most revolutionary act in Nigerian governance today is not defiance, but durable, purposeful collaboration.
The people of Nasarawa State are witnessing firsthand the positive impact of Governor Sule’s leadership. From tech-driven reforms to grassroots empowerment, from infrastructure development to economic diversification, the evidence of progress is all around us.
Rather than denying these visible achievements, the citizens should celebrate them and support their leader as he continues to steer the state toward sustainable development. The next two years promise to be the most productive yet for this administration, especially with the signing into law of the 2025 budget pegged at over N384 billion—the largest in the history of the state.
The people of Nasarawa State must therefore reject the politics of negativity and personal attacks and instead embrace a culture of constructive engagement and appreciation for good governance.
Governor Sule has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the development of Nasarawa State, and his accomplishments are written in gold for all to see. It is therefore necessary for the people to support this journey of transformation and work together to build a prosperous future for the state and its people.
Abare is the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Abdullahi Sule.