By Ali Abare. Lafiya.
As part of efforts to further consolidate his administration’s developmental strides, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, has presented a whopping N517.5 billion appropriation bill for 2026 to the State House of Assembly.
The budget which overwhelmingly prioritizes infrastructure, reflected the Governor’s focus on delivering critical projects he has consistently proclaimed. Tagged the “Budget of Strategic Consolidation,” the document aimed at accelerating ongoing projects and launching new ones.
Recall that, in the amidst of strident calls by admirers from across his Nasarawa North zone for him to declare interest to run for the senate, Governor Sule has consistently called on the people not to distract him but to allow him to focus on delivering critical infrastructure for the sustainable growth and development of the state.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the 2026 financial plan allocates N157.8 billion to infrastructure—30.49% of the total budget and the largest share of any sector. This substantial investment highlights the administration’s conviction that robust physical infrastructure is vital for unlocking economic potential and improving citizens’ quality of life.
Most significantly, the budget is strategically tilted toward capital projects, with 58.88% (N304.75 billion) earmarked for capital expenditure to ensure resources are directed toward tangible development.
This infrastructure focus builds on progress made over the past six years, during which the Governor Sule administration has constructed about 639 kilometers of road networks, with recent initiatives to include new rural road projects in Akwanga, Nassarawa-Eggon, and Wamba Local Government Areas, such as the 17km Buku/Kambre/Numa Gona/Bayan Dutse link and the 21.5km Alizaga Hill Umme to Arugbadu road.
These projects are designed to open up and connect rural communities, fostering inclusive socio-economic growth by linking agricultural areas to markets.
The infrastructure drive also not only limited to rural communities but extends to urban centers. Residents of Lafia, Keffi, and Akwanga are witnessing transformative projects like the recently commissioned Lafia Ahmed Bola Tinubu interchange and ongoing construction of flyovers and underpasses. These initiatives are expected to improve traffic flow, reduce travel time, facilitate the movement of goods, and stimulate commerce.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the 2026 budget is a multi-faceted development tool. The economic sector received the second-largest allocation of N221.84 billion to support job creation through industrialization, small and medium enterprise (SME) support, and agricultural productivity.
This policy thrust is in line with a recent major achievement: the groundbreaking of a $400 million rare earth and critical metals processing plant by Hasetins Commodities Limited in Uke, Karu Local Government Area.
Touted as a game changer and set to be the largest of its kind in Africa, the plant will process elements essential for electric vehicles, medical equipment, and advanced manufacturing. During the groundbreaking, Governor Sule has commended the project as a historic milestone that will position Nasarawa as a high-technology production hub and create numerous jobs for the state’s youth.
The social sector is another key beneficiary, with an allocation of N170.92 billion. This includes N92.91 billion for education and N37.19 billion for health. These resources are intended to enhance the quality and accessibility of essential services, building on previous efforts such as recruiting teachers and healthcare staff, upgrading primary healthcare centers to general hospitals, and expanding health insurance coverage for the poor and vulnerable.
To ensure sustainable human capital development beyond its tenure, the administration has also established strategic agencies like the Nasarawa State Education Trust Fund (NASETFund) and the Institute of Leather & Science Technology in Doma.
Indeed, as the 2026 appropriation bill undergoes legislative review, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau, has promised the Governor a diligent and speedy passage, acknowledging the budget’s clear commitment to the progress of the state.
For the people of Nasarawa State, the coming year promises intensified activity, marked by construction, new economic opportunities, and the practical delivery of the critical infrastructure Governor Sule has been championing
