EU collaborates with Nasarawa Govt on digital economy
By Blessing Emmanuel, Abuja
In a significant stride towards economic diversification and development, the European Union (EU) has revealed plans to collaborate with the Nasarawa State Government.
The relationship between the European Union and the Nasarawa State Government, particularly in the areas of digital economy and green energy will contribute significantly to economic diversification and overall development.
On a maiden visit to Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, at the Government House in Lafia, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, highlighted the purpose of her visit, emphasising on digital economy and EU’s intention to foster a multi-dimensional partnership covering climate change, economic relations, democratic governance, and peace and security.
Samuela expressed the EU’s commitment to closely working together to address shared challenges.
She said, “We are an important development partner, definitely the first development partners of Nigeria in terms of grants.
“We have a multi-dimensional cooperation which goes from peace, security, governance and migration to human development, education and health to green and digital economy.
“We will support agriculture, which is a very important sector for the economy of Nasarawa State. We will also support in the field of green energy, innovation and many other fields.
“We are also active in renewable energies through a project, through which we support rural electrification and we work in particular with a few partners in the state.”
The Ambassador outlined the diverse areas of cooperation, ranging from peace, security, governance, and migration to human development, education, health, green and digital economy, and agriculture.
She also laid an emphasis on supporting Nasarawa State’s economy, with a focus on innovation, agriculture and green energy.
Ambassador Isopi went further to urge the Nasarawa state government to actively support these initiatives.
Governor Abdullahi Sule on his part, reciprocated the sentiment, expressing gratitude for the EU’s interest in collaboration. He highlighted the alignment of values between Nigeria, Nasarawa State, and the EU, citing a shared commitment to peace, security, and democratic processes.
Governor Sule extended a warm welcome to investments in various sectors, including oil and gas, agriculture, clean energy, and solid mineral development, with a specific emphasis on lithium development. The Governor also underscored the state’s efforts to address unemployment through support for education, skills, and vocational training.
Nasarawa State, renowned as the leading producer of sesame in Nigeria, showcased its agricultural potential. Governor Sule revealed that investors had shown considerable interest in sesame processing, with plans to inaugurate the state’s first sesame seed processing company early next year.
“By early next year, we are going to have the first sesame seed processing company in the state,” he said.
Additionally, the Governor highlighted opportunities in cassava and sugar cane production, with Dangote Sugar Company’s involvement poised to attract investors in ethanol production for energy generation.
Governor Sule reassured the EU of the state government’s commitment to working closely with them, particularly in advancing economic development initiatives. The collaboration holds the promise of fostering growth, innovation, and sustainable practices for the benefit of Nasarawa State and its residents.
