The Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA) secured well over $600 million in investment commitments at the maiden Nasarawa Investment Summit 2022 (#NIS2022) in Lafia. The largest commitment came from Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote, who pledged $500 million for agriculture — rice and sugar production — in the State.
Other commitments included Flour Mills Nigeria Chairman John Coumantaros pledging to deepen investment in the sugar and cassava value chain and create more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, a $42 million commitment from Kelmesh Group (Dubai), and indications from Lee Group (steel, footwear and plastics) of interest in agribusiness projects in the State.
NIPC's Ag. ES/CEO Mr Emeka Offor described Nasarawa as an investment frontier and peaceful state, commending its government's support mechanisms for investors. 'We believe that if all states play their role in attracting investments at the subnational level like Nasarawa, Nigeria will have indeed realised its aspiration of improving the wellbeing of Nigerians,' he said. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo delivered the keynote address, describing the Summit's theme — 'Diamond in the Rough' — as pragmatic and forward-looking.
