The European Union (EU) has promised to support Nasarawa State in diversifying its economy through agriculture, energy and innovation amongst others.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, made the pledge during her official visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House, Lafia.
According to her, the Union in collaboration with other partners are already working in some parts of the state in the area of rice production, rural electrification, education and renewable energy amongst others, but said “We can work together in multi-dimensional areas to support the state.”
The ambassador said by 2024, the EU will lead a large entourage of investors in a bid to increase more investment in the state.
“We will visit your state again in early 2024 with a larger delegation including the private sector players for a more robust partnership,” she said.
She said the visit to Nasarawa State was aimed at deepening the relationship with the state government.
Responding, Governor Sule thanked the EU Ambassador for the visit, noting Nigeria and Europe share a lot in common.
He said the state government was open to investment in agriculture, clean energy, oil and gas as well as solid mineral development with particular emphasis on lithium.
He said apart from solid minerals the state is also a notable agriculture hub which is open to investment.
The governor pointed out that the state is number one in sesame production in the country, with a lot of investors already showing interest in sesame processing.
He disclosed that the state will host the first sesame seed processing company next year.
He added that the state was looking at exploring the complete value-chain in yam production as well as the improvement in rice production where the state currently occupied the fifth position to become the one of the top three producers in the country.
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