President Tinubu to visit Nasarawa as FG approves dam projects
By Kunle Sanni
As part of activities marking his second year in office, President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to visit Nasarawa State later in June to commission key infrastructure projects.
The visit, tentatively set for June 24, was confirmed by Governor Abdullahi Sule during a State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Lafia on Thursday.
The council meeting also featured a series of landmark announcements, including the Federal Government’s approval for the construction of two major dams in Lafia and Tide, as well as the completion of the Farin Ruwa multipurpose project. These projects are expected to significantly enhance water supply, irrigation, and hydropower generation in the state.
Governor Sule presented an official approval letter from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, signed by Minister Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, urging the state to support the projects through community sensitisation, compensation for affected residents, and site security.
In a related development, the State Executive Council also approved the hosting of the 6th National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development in Lafia, scheduled for August 2025.
The approval follows a request from the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, who noted Nasarawa’s pivotal role in the solid minerals sector.
Alake stated that the state had been chosen to host the event for both 2024 and 2025, praising its contributions to Nigeria’s growing mining industry.
Governor Sule informed the council that he had received a direct call indicating President Tinubu’s willingness to visit Nasarawa between June 16 and 25 to commission several completed projects.
He proposed June 24 as the preferred date to allow sufficient preparation time.
“This meeting is to ensure that we begin immediate planning for Mr. President’s visit,” the governor said, urging council members to commence logistical arrangements.
The council also deliberated on the ₦9.75 billion refund received from the Federal Government for the takeover of Lafia Airport, now renamed Usman Dan Fodio Airport. Governor Sule revealed that the funds would be channelled towards upgrading the Kwandere–Sabon Gida Road, which is critical to improving access to the airport.
