2027: ADP Guber Candidate Unveils Industrialisation, Food Security Agenda for Nasarawa
Maman promises to turn state’s natural resources into industries, jobs and wealth
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku
Action Democratic Party (ADP) governorship candidate in Nasarawa State, Christopher Envoh Maman, has unveiled an economic development agenda centred on industrialisation, food security, infrastructure, skills-based education and wealth creation ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Maman, who formally announced his candidature alongside his running mate, Alhaji Aliyu Usman Gurku, said his ambition was driven by a conviction that Nasarawa State could harness its vast land, mineral resources, agricultural potential and human capital to become a major economic hub in Nigeria.
Speaking during his declaration, the ADP candidate said Nasarawa's natural endowments placed the state in a position to develop industries across agriculture, livestock, ceramics, fisheries, mining, housing and manufacturing.
According to him, the state's agricultural potential could be developed into a food-security hub through large-scale production, processing and packaging of crops, fruits, meat and beverages for domestic consumption and export.
Maman also proposed positioning Nasarawa as a major meat-production centre through modern cattle ranching, small-ruminant farming, hybrid grass production, industrial slaughtering and meat processing, packaging and distribution.
He described the livestock value chain as a potentially multi-trillion-naira sector capable of creating employment and business opportunities across the state.
On ceramics, the ADP candidate said Nasarawa had raw materials suitable for the production of artwork, stoneware and porcelain, arguing that the state could establish large-scale factories producing plates, sanitary facilities and other ceramic products.
He said such investments would create employment opportunities while supporting businesses involved in supply, logistics, distribution and marketing.
Maman further identified fisheries as another area with significant economic potential, citing the state's water resources and existing fish species as opportunities for commercial aquaculture.
He specifically mentioned Doma Local Government Area as a focal location while proposing that other viable local governments across the three senatorial zones participate in the sector.
On infrastructure, Maman promised to pursue power generation, water supply, roads and industrial development using locally available resources.
He said the state could explore its water resources for hydroelectric power generation and develop its iron ore deposits to support local production of pipes and other materials.
According to him, Nasarawa's limestone deposits in Awe, Toto and Nasarawa Local Government Areas could support local cement production, while other construction materials available within the state could be used in road development.
On housing, the candidate proposed mass housing projects using industrial red bricks produced from locally available materials, saying the approach could reduce construction costs and increase access to affordable accommodation.
Maman also outlined an education policy focused on technical skills, science and technology, saying the three technical secondary schools in Assakio, Mada Station and Agwada would be equipped and repositioned under his proposed administration.
He said special science schools would equally receive attention, while Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and digital technology would form a major component of the education system.
The candidate added that lawyers would be encouraged to specialise in areas such as mining law to support the development of the state's extractive industries.
He said his proposed education policy would place greater emphasis on skills and knowledge acquisition rather than certificates alone.
On security, Maman linked employment and economic opportunities to efforts to reduce crime and criminality, while promising to provide security agencies with the necessary tools to protect farmers and residents.
He said his administration would pursue a development model that would transform natural resources into industries, industries into businesses, businesses into jobs and jobs into prosperity.
Maman further pledged an inclusive approach to development, saying citizens would have opportunities to participate in and benefit from economic development regardless of ethnicity, religion, senatorial zone or local government area.
He acknowledged that the proposed transformation would face challenges but expressed confidence that courage, competence, integrity, accountability, unity and collective determination could help achieve the objectives.
"Nasarawa State has the resources, Nasarawa State has the people, Nasarawa State has the potential.
Together, we will turn the potential into prosperity," he said.
