From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has unveiled the 2026 Nasarawa Investment Summit, announcing plans for a “Lafia Declaration” aimed at institutionalising reforms and providing a clear development pathway for the state capital, which he noted lacks a comprehensive master plan.
Speaking at the Conference Hall of the Abdullahi Sule Investment Centre along Muhammadu Buhari Way, Lafia, during the official unveiling of the summit scheduled for May 6–7, 2026, the governor said the declaration would serve as a binding commitment by key stakeholders to sustain reforms beyond the 2027 political transition.
Sule explained that the summit, themed “Bold Transitions: Building a Legacy for a Sustainable Future”, would not only consolidate gains recorded over the past seven years but also set the tone for long-term economic planning, particularly for Lafia.
He said, “The Summit incorporates a deliberate political-economy dialogue framework aimed at reinforcing investor confidence. It will also serve as the platform for launching a Lafia Declaration, a voluntary commitment by key stakeholders, including gubernatorial aspirants, the legislature, judiciary, development partners, and investors, with a view to sustaining the State’s economic reform trajectory beyond the political cycle.”
The governor noted that the initiative became necessary given the absence of a structured master plan for Lafia, stressing that the declaration would provide clarity on the city’s growth trajectory and align it with the broader economic vision of the state.
According to him, “This is the last summit under my administration and a defining moment in the economic and governance trajectory of our State. The focus is not just on attracting investments but on protecting and institutionalising reforms that will endure beyond political transitions.”
Sule reaffirmed that his administration’s reform agenda has significantly improved the state’s investment climate, positioning Nasarawa among the top 10 most competitive states in Nigeria in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business ranking.
“For the past seven years, this administration has pursued an ambitious reform programme aimed at strengthening institutional foundations, improving ease of doing business, unlocking investment opportunities, and positioning the State as a competitive destination for domestic and international capital,” he said.
He added that the summit would bring together policymakers, investors, development partners, and political actors to deliberate on sustaining reforms and ensuring continuity of policies.
“The focus must shift from implementation of reform to institutional permanence. The frameworks we have established must be embedded in laws and systems capable of enduring beyond individual political tenures,” the governor stated.
Highlighting the objectives of the summit, Sule said it would feature strategic policy dialogues, investment deal rooms, innovation showcases, and discussions on key initiatives such as the Nasarawa Gas Master Plan.
He further disclosed that former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, would deliver the keynote address, while Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, would serve as Special Guest of Honour.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nasarawa State Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA), Ibrahim Adamu Abdullahi, said the summit reflects the state’s economic transformation since 2019, driven by reforms introduced by the Sule administration.
He noted that the state attracted about $2.3 billion in investments between 2022 and 2025, alongside $1.3 billion in technical assistance, with over $505 million already actualised.
The NASIDA boss said, “From 2022 to 2024, the state attracted $1.8 billion in investments and $1.3 billion in technical assistance. In 2025 alone, $1 billion was recorded, with over $505 million already actualised.”
He added that the unveiling of the 2026 summit marks another milestone in the state’s effort to deepen investor confidence and sustain economic growth.
He also acknowledged concerns surrounding the impending political transition, noting that the summit provides a platform for engagement with governorship aspirants across party lines.
“The whole world is watching, particularly with the political transition ahead. The question is what happens to these reforms. This summit provides the opportunity to engage political actors and ensure continuity,” he said.
Sun reports that the Nasarawa Investment Summit, first held in 2022 under the theme “Diamond in the Rough” and followed by the 2024 edition themed “Industrial Renaissance”, has evolved into a key platform for promoting the state’s economic potential and attracting both local and international investors.
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