Lafia, Nigeria — June 26, 2025
By Alfred M. Akwe
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has urged Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the resumption of oil drilling operations at the Ebenyi-A oil field in Obi Local Government Area, citing the discovery of over one billion barrels of crude oil reserves in the region.
The appeal was made during President Tinubu’s one-day working visit to Nasarawa State on Wednesday, where he commissioned several high-value infrastructure projects.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Lafia, Governor Sule emphasized the strategic importance of inland oil production and proposed the development of an integrated oil and gas hub in the state.
“With hydrocarbon reserves exceeding a billion barrels, this region holds the potential to become Nigeria’s inland energy powerhouse — much like Saudi Arabia’s deep onshore operations,” Sule said. “We are asking for the President’s intervention to resume appraisal drilling and move toward full-scale production.”
The governor said an integrated model combining oil exploration, refining, gas production, and power generation in one location would not only boost national output but also reduce dependence on foreign imports.
During the visit, President Tinubu commissioned three major infrastructure projects: the ₦16 billion Lafia Flyover and Underpass, the ₦5.6 billion dualization of Shendam Road, and the newly completed multi-billion-naira Nasarawa State Secretariat complex. Governor Sule attributed these developments to the fiscal space created by Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and unification of the exchange rate.
“These reforms are not just figures on paper. They have translated into tangible development here in Nasarawa,” Sule said.
He also praised the President’s commitment to human capital development, highlighting efforts to boost technical and vocational training in the state. The Governor recalled the experience of working with the Dangote Group, where a shortage of skilled local technicians led to the importation of thousands of workers from abroad.
“This is why we are investing in technical education — so future industrial projects can find their workforce here in Nasarawa, not overseas,” he noted.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, commended Governor Sule for aligning with the federal government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and emphasized the need to prioritize both solid minerals and agriculture.
“Nasarawa’s rich solid mineral resources are a national asset, but we must also not neglect agriculture,” Tinubu stated. “We are committed to making farming profitable, especially for youth and women, through access to inputs and financing.”
He also criticized unnamed political actors forming opposition coalitions, describing them as “political internally displaced persons (IDPs).”
USD400 Million Rare Earth Deal Signed
In a significant development for the mining sector, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Henry Dele Alake, announced a new $400 million investment deal for the establishment of Africa’s largest rare earth minerals and critical metals processing plant in Nasarawa State.
The agreement is part of the federal government’s push to drive local value addition in the solid minerals sector. According to Alake, Nasarawa has already attracted over $800 million in foreign direct investment as a result of these policies.
“This new plant alone is expected to create over 10,000 jobs at full operation,” Alake said, adding that separation centers will be established across other regions to ensure nationwide benefits.
The President was accompanied by an entourage that included seven state governors, three deputy governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, and top business leaders. Notable attendees included Governors Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Hyacinth Alia (Benue), as well as former Nasarawa State Governors Abdullahi Adamu and Umaru Tanko Al-Makura. (www.krestnews.com).