Christopher Nathaniel says Adamawa’s natural resources can drive economic growth
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Christopher Nathaniel, has said the state’s human, agricultural and solid-mineral resources could support significant industrial development if properly harnessed.
Nathaniel made the statement during an interaction with journalists in Yola, where he outlined his ambition to transform Adamawa into an industrial hub if elected governor.
Focus on local resources
The candidate argued that Adamawa possesses substantial natural resources capable of supporting economic growth but said they have not been adequately developed or integrated into a sustainable industrial strategy.
He identified the state’s agricultural and mineral potential as areas that could be used to create employment, expand local production and strengthen government revenue.
Nathaniel’s proposed approach would require investment in infrastructure, skills development, processing facilities, access to finance and effective regulation.
From raw materials to industrial production
The SDP candidate said his administration would seek to move the state beyond the extraction or production of raw materials by encouraging value addition and industrial processing.
Such a strategy could include agro-processing, mineral beneficiation and the development of enterprises linked to local supply chains.
However, the practical feasibility of the proposal would depend on the candidate’s detailed policy programme, financing plans, environmental safeguards and implementation capacity.
Nathaniel’s comments form part of the emerging political debate over economic development and governance priorities ahead of the 2027 elections.