North Central · Capital: Lafia
Nasarawa State
Governor: Abdullahi Sule
Population
1,826,883
Land area
27,117 km²
Created
October 1, 1996
Governance
Engr. Abdullahi Audu Sule (APC, born 26 December 1959 in Akwanga) has served as Governor of Nasarawa State since 29 May 2019, re-elected in 2023. A former Managing Director of Dangote Sugar Refinery, his administration's 2026 'Budget of Strategic Consolidation' (₦545.2 billion) focuses on industrialization, having attracted $2.3 billion in investment since 2022 through its biennial Investment Summit.
History
Nasarawa State was created on 1 October 1996 from the former Plateau State, under the military regime of General Sani Abacha. Its name derives from the town of Nasarawa, founded in 1835. Bordering the FCT directly, the state's Karu LGA has become a major dormitory community for Abuja workers.
Natural Resources
Barytes, salt and tin
Nasarawa hosts a wide range of solid minerals, giving it the nickname 'Home of Solid Minerals.'
Tourism
Its proximity to Abuja and natural landscape, including the Farin Ruwa Falls, position it as a growing weekend-getaway destination for the capital.
- Farin Ruwa Falls
- Wasa Tunnel
- Keana salt lake
Agriculture
Cattle rearing, poultry, and salt production are historic mainstays, alongside grain and root crop farming across its Middle Belt terrain.
Yam · Rice · Guinea corn · Sesame · Soybean
Investment
Home to the Nasara Beef Processing Company at Masaka-Karu, positioned to serve the nearby Abuja market, alongside reforms in land governance and green industrialization.
Solid minerals ('Home of Solid Minerals') · Agro-processing · Livestock · Logistics (Abuja-adjacent)
Infrastructure
Education
Federal University of Lafia · Nasarawa State University, Keffi