The Governor of Nasarawa State, Alh. Abdullahi Adamu has said that his administration would do everything possible to capitalise on its proximity to the Federal capital Territory, Abuja, to ensure rapid industrialisation of the State.

Governor Adamu stated this when he paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Industries, Dr. Iyorcha Ayu in Abuja.

The visit was intended to solicit the assistance and intervention of the Federal Ministry of Industry in the State government’s efforts at promoting the industrialisation of its economy.

Governor Abdullahi Adamu said that Nasarawa State was blessed with abundant, but untapped mineral and agricultural potentials for industrial development of the State.

He appealed to the Minister to assist the State in identifying industrial and corporate investors who are willing to invest in the State.

His Excellency assured all potential investors in Nasarawa State of a favourable business atmosphere, pointing out that the people of Nasarawa State are among the most friendly and peaceful people in the country.

Responding, the Minister of Industry, Dr. Iyorcha Ayu expressed his Ministry’s readiness to assist in wooing investors to Nasarawa State.

Dr. Ayu observed that with the return of the country to democracy, more foreign missions, as well as local and foreign investors have shown tremendous interest in Nigeria.

The Minister advised the Nasarawa State government to identify viable industrial projects that needs financing through joint venture with the private sector.

Dr. Ayu enjoined the State to employ the services of reputable industrial consultants to prepare feasibility studies for such projects.

The Minister assured that the Ministry was prepared to link Nasarawa State with such Consultants from UNIDO and the World Bank.

He also advised the Nasarawa State Government to avail itself with the services of the Small and Large Scale Industrial Development Agency which has been established in the Ministry. He said the Agency was established, among other objectives, to assist States in their industrialisation drive.

Dr. Ayu also said the Ministry of Industry was willing to grant soft loans to Nigerians who were willing to invest in small and large scale industries. He therefore appealed to the Nasarawa State Government to take advantage of the scheme.

The Nasarawa State Governor was accompanied on the visit by the State Commissioner of Finance and Economic Planning, Alh. Adamu Ahmed Galadima, the Commissioner of Commerce, Alh. Musa Ilu Mohammed, the State Development Consultant, Alh. Ahmed Humairi and the Nasarawa State Permanent Secretary in-charge of the Fedeal Capital Territory, Mr. Philip Dada.

24 February 2000