By Ali Abare

Governor Abdullahi Sule was at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport to be part of the delegation to receive and welcome President Ahmed Bola Tinubu who’s returning to the country after cutting short his 10-day leave in France and London, a gesture that underscores the relationship between these two leaders.

The reception party sets the stage for the President’s anticipated visit to commission West Africa’s largest lithium processing plant in Endo, Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

This epoch making event will mark the third time President Tinubu is visiting Nasarawa State to inaugurate projects, following last year’s commissioning of the Avatar Energy Lithium Mining and Processing plant, as well as the recent commissioning of the Lafia flyover and underpass, a project named in his honour.

The dynamic between a national leader and a state governor is often complex, and there have been quiet discussions about potential disagreements. However, the consistent and visible support between these two leaders can not be overemphasized.

Governor Sule has, on numerous occasions, expressed his firm support for the President. He has publicly commended the federal government’s policies and their visible impact across the country’s thirty-six states.

The Governor has made it clear that whatever successes governors like him are achieving, the glory is being shared with the President for his landmark fiscal reforms that is enabling states embark on necessary infrastructural development as a result of improved revenues.

In return, President Tinubu has not been shy in his commendation for Governor Sule’s administration and its developmental strides, describing the Governor’s development strides as a model of where vision meets commitment.

This mutual respect appears to be more than just political courtesy. It has created a working relationship that directly benefits the people of Nasarawa State and Nigeria as a whole. The upcoming lithium plant is a prime example. This facility represents a significant prospect for not only the state’s economy but the country at large, especially since mining falls under the concurrent list.

Leveraging on the Executive Order passed by Governor Sule, the sprouting of lithium processing plants in Nasarawa provides another alternative beyond traditional farming and mining by adding value to a raw material right at its source.

Also, processing lithium locally, instead of simply exporting the raw ore, will create more skilled jobs, bring in more revenue, and position Nasarawa and Nigeria as key players in the growing global market for clean energy technology.

The commissioning of the Lafia flyover and underpass provided a more immediate and tangible benefit to residents, with the project addressing the city’s growing traffic challenges, improving daily commutes and easing the movement of goods and services.

While there were attempts to take away the shine on the project, with fake news of its collapse online, the fact remains that the infrastructure continues to serve as a functional asset to the city’s landscape. Such projects demonstrate how state initiatives can align with a federal agenda focused on rebuilding national infrastructure.

The collaboration between the state and federal government seems to be a key ingredient in this progress. A governor who maintains a positive relationship with the central government can often secure the necessary support and approvals for large-scale projects more efficiently.

This synergy can accelerate development, attract investors who seek political stability, and ensure that state-level plans complement national economic strategies.

For President Tinubu, having a reliable partner in a state like Nasarawa, which is rich in mineral resources, helps to validate federal policies aimed at economic diversification and attracting foreign investment.

The benefits of this partnership extend beyond Nasarawa’s borders. Nigeria’s economy has long relied heavily on oil. The success of a major non-oil project, like the lithium plant, serves as a powerful model for other states. It demonstrates the potential of the nation’s solid minerals sector and can inspire similar investments across the country.

Furthermore, the visible cooperation between different levels of government presents a united front that can build confidence both locally and internationally. It signals that Nigeria is open for business and that its leaders are working together to create a conducive environment for growth.

In essence, the relationship between President Tinubu and Governor Sule seems to be built on a shared vision and practical understanding rather than mere political alliance. Their cooperation is yielding results that are improving lives in Nasarawa and contributing to a broader national vision. The lithium plant is not just a Nasarawa project; it is a Nigerian project with the potential to influence the entire region.

As President Tinubu prepares to visit the state once again, the event will likely highlight how effective collaboration between leaders can translate into concrete achievements for the people they serve.

The continued partnership between these two great leaders suggests that more progress for Nasarawa and, by extension, Nigeria is on the horizon.

Abare is the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Abdullahi Sule