By Abbas Nazil
Nasarawa State is set to benefit from a strategic partnership with the Republic of Angola, aimed at accelerating development across agriculture, education, and energy sectors.
The collaboration was announced during a visit by Angola’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Jose Zau, who met with Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule in Abuja to discuss avenues for deepening bilateral cooperation and investment.
Ambassador Zau expressed Angola’s strong interest in formalizing a comprehensive development agreement with Nasarawa State, stating that the partnership would not only strengthen diplomatic ties but also unlock critical economic opportunities for both parties.
The envoy emphasized that Angola sees Nasarawa as a strategic sub-national partner, given its investment potential and alignment with Angola’s development goals in Africa.
A major highlight of the planned cooperation is the proposed establishment of a fertilizer factory in Nasarawa.
This facility is expected to play a key role in boosting agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and generating employment, particularly for the youth population.
According to Ambassador Zau, the fertilizer plant would serve as a cornerstone project under the broader collaboration, fostering industrial growth and technology transfer.
Governor Abdullahi Sule welcomed the partnership with optimism, describing it as timely and aligned with Nasarawa State’s development agenda.
He noted that the collaboration would strengthen the state’s capacity in food production, human capital development, and access to sustainable energy.
The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to facilitating a conducive environment for foreign investment and innovation.
The President of the Nigeria-Angola Business Council, Fifi Ejindu, who is championing the initiative, highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of the fertilizer project.
She explained that beyond job creation, the facility would reduce the region’s dependence on imported agricultural inputs and promote greener farming practices.
Ejindu also praised the emerging model of sub-national diplomacy, where states like Nasarawa are actively engaging foreign nations to drive targeted growth.
The visit by the Angolan delegation underscores the evolving relationship between Nigeria and Angola, with Nasarawa State taking a leading role in harnessing diplomatic channels for local development.
By focusing on agriculture, education, and energy, the partnership is poised to deliver long-term value, contribute to regional stability, and support the broader goals of sustainable development in both countries.
As Nasarawa prepares to implement the partnership, stakeholders expect that the initiative will serve as a model for other Nigerian states seeking to attract foreign investment and build globally relevant, locally rooted economic solutions.
