European Union to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
By Aliyu Muraki
European Union is to deepen bilateral ties with the Nasarawa State Government In taken multi dimensional approach to promote National Cohesion, Good Governance and enhance economic prosperity.
European Union Ambassador to Nigeria Mrs Samuela Isopi disclosed this during a visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House lafia, the State Capital.
Ambassador Samuela Isopi described the long standing bilateral relationship that exists between Nigeria and European Union as well as Nasarawa State, explained that her country deem it necessary to strengthen the relationship in the areas of peace and security, green energy agriculture and climate change.
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria who doubles as ECOWAS Ambassador to Nigeria was overwhelmed by hospitality and Seren environment in Nasarawa state said her country is ready to support the economic development of state.
Other areas for consideration by the European union is the areas of interfaith and farmer herders clashes.
In his response, Governor Abdullahi Sule said the state was open to investment in agriculture, clean energy, oil and gas as well as solid mineral development with particular emphasis on lithium.
He said the state was poised to promoting education, skills and vocational education to enable the youth to become self reliant and address unemployment.
Goveenor Abdullahi Sule expressed delight with the Ambassador of European Union to Nigeria on her intention to lead an EU team from 27 country to Nasarawa in the first quarter of next year.
He highlighted some of the agricultural potentials in the state where investor could take advantage to invest, saying nasarawa was number One in saseme production with a lot of investors already showing interest in saseme processing with immense benefit to the state and the people.
According to him, Nigeria and Europe share a lot on common, noting that there were more Nigerians UK and entire Europe than any part in the world outside Africa.
The Governor added that Nigeria and Nasarawa share same value with European Union, peace and security as well as upholding the tenets of democratic process and social cohesion.
“By early next year, we are going to have the first saseme seed processing company in the state,” he said.
Governor Abdullahi Sule said the state was also looking at exploring the complete value-chain in yam production as well as the improvement in rice production where the state occupies the fifth position to become the one of the top three producers in the country.
He also mentioned the potential in Cassava and sugar cane production with the Dangote Sugar company coming on board, to attract investors interest in ethanol production for energy generation.
The governor explained that the state government, through the Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA) is offering a one-stop-shop for investors where they would be provided with incentives and guided through all necessary process that would guarantee their investment.
