After six years of steering development in Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule has made a startling admission — he has one major regret that still weighs heavily on his mind.
Speaking at a commemorative event hosted by the A.A. Sule Gida Gida Group in Lafia, the state capital, Governor Sule reflected on his administration’s journey, highlighting both achievements and setbacks. While his government has been praised for reforms in agriculture, infrastructure, digital economy, and prompt payment of salaries and pensions, Governor Sule’s biggest regret centers around a stalled project he had hoped would redefine the state’s economic future.
According to the governor, the suspension of oil exploration activities in Obi remains his most painful disappointment.
“I would have loved to see the first, second, and third phases of the oil exploration at Ebenyi in Obi, which commenced but is currently suspended by NNPC Ltd,” he stated.
Governor Sule explained that the project had the potential to unlock massive revenue through the 13% derivation fund and bring Nasarawa into the league of oil-producing states before the end of his tenure in 2027. However, despite confirmed commercial oil deposits in Obi and Keana local government areas, exploration activities have been on hold for nearly two years—leaving stakeholders and residents in the dark.
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He also voiced concern over the uncertain future of another major initiative — an electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant powered by locally sourced lithium. While the state has successfully started lithium production, Sule stressed that the remaining phases — battery processing and EV assembly — are still pending.
“This is one of my key dreams. We already passed laws requiring investors to process raw materials here, but if my successor doesn’t carry this forward, it will remain a major concern,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, the governor noted that his administration funded all projects from available resources — without borrowing — and made significant progress in industrialization, job creation, and skills training. Still, he admitted that much of the work remains foundational, and more time would have been needed to fully realize the vision.
On the long-anticipated Keffi flyover, aimed at reducing accidents at the Keffi roundabout, Governor Sule assured the public that work will commence soon. He blamed the delay on technical issues related to managing traffic during construction, not a lack of funding or political will.
Even with his achievements, Governor Sule’s biggest regret casts a shadow over what many consider a successful tenure. His candid admission has sparked conversation across the state about the challenges of sustaining visionary projects amid shifting political and economic landscapes.
As 2027 approaches, one thing is clear — while Governor Sule’s legacy includes tangible gains, his most ambitious dreams may rely on those who come after him.
