The Nasarawa state government is seeking ways to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with the British Department For International Development (DFID). This came to light when Governor Adamu visited the Nigerian headquarters of DFID in Abuja. During the visit, Governor Adamu briefed the staff of DFID Nigeria on the programmes, policies and projects of his administrations since inception. 

Detailing the situation he met when he assumed office as governor of the state in 1999, Governor Adamu told the staff that through various interventionist measures, the state was now offering better service to the people. Governor Adamu specifically mentioned the areas of health, education, rural infrastructure, accountability and ICT’s as areas where his administration has brought positive changes to lives of the people.

In the area of health services delivery, the governor said at inception in 1999, the state had 4 general hospitals and a few other primary health care clinics that served a population of 3.5million. Since coming into office, the structure had changed, with the state now having two specialist hospitals that render tertiary level health care (Lafia and Mararaba); thirteen general hospitals; 97 primary health care clinics. There was also a drug revolving fund and immunization programmes where on-going.

On education, Governor Adamu stated that that state now had four tertiary institutions including a state university as well as numerous primary and secondary schools. The state also has a girl-child education programme and has made the first nine years of education, free and compulsory. Nine special science schools have also been established to enhance science education in the state.

Governor Adamu also listed other intervention areas as water and sanitation; good governance and access to justice as well as e-governance and women empowerment.

The governor then sought the assistance of DFID in strengthening these gains of democracy by instituting a partnership that will lead to capacity building and supportive intervention.

Responding to the Governor’s elaborate description of his achievements, William Kingsmill, Head of DFID Nigeria thanked governor Adamu for his hospitality during the queen’s visit to Nasarawa state in 2003 and said he felt very honoured to host the governor in their offices. He promised to dispassionate look at the request of the state for partnership with DFID saying they will look at the request in conjunction with the National Planning Commission which is the Nigerian agency for development support.