By Donatus  Nadi, Lafia
President, Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has described Nasarawa as one of the business friendly states in the country.

He stated this at the launching of two books in honour of Governor Umaru Almakura in Lafia on Sunday.
Dangote, represented by a Director in the company Engr Mansur Ahmed said that, “It takes us about three to four years to complete agreement for the establishment and commencement of business in many states, but I was surprised with the flexibility of starting business in Nasarawa State as the process was concluded in just few weeks”.
“I was surprised as Governor Umaru Almakura was running the state as a business friendly institution and the people of Nasarawa state are receptive because when we needed a land to establish the biggest sugar plantation in West Africa, we got the land and started Tunga Sugar Project and whenever the governor wants an explanation, he doesn’t shy away, he asks, we explain and come to understand each other very well. Dangote Group is now in Nasarawa State and we were all welcomed throughout the state. I wish the person coming after this Governor to emulate him and even try to improve the state to greater height.”
The director of Dangote Group, Mansur Ahmed said: “Alhaji Aliko Dangote has established the Tunga Sugar project in Nasarawa and as he said, we went to a state in Nigeria and they did not treat us with decorum. But here in Nasarawa State, the company is right on track and due to the possibilities we are envisioning, we will need more land to continue developing business, agriculture and the development on Nigeria to greater heights.  We need more hectares apart from the 60,000 hectares we have, as we need more hectares of land to prosper.”

In his speech, the Governor of Nasarawa Stae, Alhaji Umaru Tanko Almakura said, “I appreciate Dangote Group for making Nasarawa, Nigeria, Africa and the human race proud. If there is any hope from the transformation of Nasaraw State, the only alternative is industrialization of the state towards economic development.”
“I realized an opportunity that should not be missed, facilitated the establishment of Tunga Sugar Project with 60,000 hectares of land. We have the potential to realize millions for the states. In the next few years, 30,000 workers will be employed and this is an opportunity to transform Nasarawa State.