Nasarawa govt trains MDAs on PPP to tackle infrastructure deficit

From Abel Leonard, Lafia

The Nasarawa State government, through the Nasarawa Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), has commenced a two-day capacity-building workshop for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on a new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework aimed at addressing the state’s infrastructure deficit.

Speaking at the training in Lafia on Tuesday, the Managing Director of NASIDA, Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, represented by Mrs. Mayowa Edgar, Head of Infrastructure Finance and PPP Team Lead, emphasized the importance of equipping stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively implement PPP projects.

“This engagement will enable MDAs to better understand the newly developed PPP manual and framework. The goal is to ensure that they cascade this knowledge to others, so PPPs are properly implemented for the benefit of Nasarawa State,” Abdullahi stated.

He explained that since NASIDA’s establishment in 2020, the agency had been implementing PPPs as part of efforts to mitigate infrastructure challenges and accelerate development. However, gaps in PPP implementation were identified, necessitating the creation of new frameworks.

“In 2024, with the support of the UK Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNiAF), we developed a Nasarawa State Public-Private Partnership Manual, a Public-Private Partnership Fiscal Commitment and Contingent Liabilities (FCCL) framework, and a disclosure portal,” he said.

“These documents are designed to strengthen PPP implementation and enhance the state’s efforts in business-enabling reforms,” Abdullahi added.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ron Sircar, Project Manager for Infrastructure Finance at UKNiAF, commended the Nasarawa State Government and stakeholders for their commitment to the PPP initiative.

“The implementation of PPP using this new framework has led to stronger competitive bids, more efficient outcomes, and tangible progress toward successful PPP projects in the state,” Sircar noted.

He further stated that Nasarawa State had set a benchmark in PPP implementation, expressing hope that other states and organisations would adopt similar strategies to boost infrastructure development.

The training is expected to enhance the capacity of MDAs to effectively engage in PPP projects, ensuring sustainable development across Nasarawa State.