Market Update: Nasarawa Gov Vows Support for Business & Economy Boost – Full Analysis

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue to foster an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in order to ensure success for business owners and to boost the economy of the state.

Arewa PUNCH reports that Governor Sule made the recommitment on Tuesday during the official opening of a new branch of Globus Bank in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

While describing the investment by the bank as a significant boost to the state’s financial landscape, the governor noted that strategic partnerships with private institutions remain key to accelerating economic growth and development.

According to him, the establishment of the Globus Bank’s branch in Lafia underscores growing investor confidence in Nasarawa State.

He attributed the steady inflow of investments in the state to sustained peace, improved infrastructure, and pro-business reforms implemented by his administration.

The governor further expressed confidence that the presence of Globus Bank would expand access to financial services for residents, entrepreneurs, and corporate bodies, adding that it would also help in creating employment opportunities for youths in the state.

He said, “I want to use this opportunity to call on the good people of Lafia to support this Bank. I am happy that some business people are here. I urge the good people of Lafia to patronise the new banks because that is the only way they can justify opening their branches here.

“Starting with workers, they should be able to open their own accounts. I don’t have much money, but I promise you, I will open my own personal account with the bank.

“And if the workers also do the same, that way the bank will feel comfortable to say that, all right, now this is the reason why we came. And a lot of people will look for loans. So, I want to sincerely say thank you for everything that everybody is doing to move Nasarawa State forward.”

Sule further urged the chairmen of the 13 local government areas to consider patronising newly established banks alongside the older ones in order to create a balance, and by ensuring that no business establishment in the state suffers setback as a result of law patronage.

“I am not saying that you should abandon the old banks. Continue to use the older banks. And I am happy that most of the chairmen are here. But it is very important for you to patronise this kind of bank because you can get more from these banks than the older banks,” he explained.

On his part, Globus Bank Executive Director, in charge of Northern States in the country, Prof. Sani Yahaya disclosed that the bank started operations about seven years ago and has currently expanded to almost all the states of the federation, with a record figure of over 50 branches.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule for honouring the Globus Bank’s invitation for the event, and assured that the bank being digital, is ready to serve residents of the state, including business owners with all sincerity in order to improve their livelihoods and secure their financial dealings.

“We look at small and medium-sized enterprises because development can not come without having an opportunity to have funding. So we give funding to people. We also give what we call salary advances to people.

“In fact, there are a lot of things outlined because we know that the government can not do it alone. We also need to partner with them, and that is why we are in this state. And we will continue to do our best.

“So, I want to tell the people of Nasarawa State that yes, we have opened this bank. Let them take this bank as their own bank. We are here to support them. We are here to grow together. We are here to partner with them.

“Whatever we need to do as an organisation, we will also do it.

“In terms of corporate social responsibility, we are ready to also help the people of Nasarawa State. So, it is more like a symbiotic relationship. It is a win-win situation.

“They should come and bank with us so that we can have the capacity and the capability to help the people of the state,” Prof. Sani Yahaya stressed.

In her remarks, the State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning, Munira Abdullahi, said the occasion was not merely the opening of a banking hall, but a strong vote of confidence in the economic potential of Nasarawa State and indeed the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule.

She noted that the current administration in the state, led by Sule, had remained deliberate in creating a stable environment, strengthening public financial management, investing in infrastructure, and improving the ease of doing business.

According to her, these reforms are not abstract policies, but they are practical steps designed to attract credible investors such as Globus Bank and to ensure that they thrive.

She added, “We are confident that Globus Bank will play a vital role in expanding access to credit, fostering entrepreneurship and catalysing economic activities across Lafia and the state in general.

“Nasarawa State continues to distinguish itself as a preferred destination for investment from agriculture to mining, from MSMEs to emerging industries.

“We are building not just infrastructure but trust. Trust in our systems, our governance, and our economic future.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning in Nasarawa State, I congratulate the Board, Management and Staff of Globus Bank on this milestone. We assure you of our partnership and support as you grow with us. Once again, welcome to Nasarawa State, where opportunity meets responsible governance.”

Arewa PUNCH further gathered that the new Globus Bank branch is expected to deepen financial inclusion and support economic activities in Lafia and its environs, while positioning Nasarawa State as an emerging commercial hub in the North-Central region of the country.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Nasarawa State Accountant General, Musa Ahmed Mohammed; the Chairman of Lafia LGA, Mohammed Haliru Arabo; the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Kassim Muhammad Kassim; the Executive Secretary of the State Education Trust Fund, Abubakar Adamu Idris; members of the State Executive Council, among others.