The Accord Party governorship candidate in Taraba state, Professor Jerome Nyameh, has declared that the state is not poor, but has suffered from years of underutilisation and mismanagement of its abundant natural and human resources.

Nyameh made the assertion on Monday in Jalingo while speaking on the development challenges confronting the state, stressing that Taraba possesses enormous resources capable of transforming its economy and improving the living conditions of its people.

He identified the state’s vast agricultural land, mineral deposits, forests, water resources and tourism attractions as key assets that, if properly harnessed, could place Taraba on a stronger economic footing.

According to him, the persistent economic difficulties confronting the state cannot be blamed on a lack of resources, but rather on poor planning, ineffective management and the failure to establish an enabling environment capable of attracting meaningful investment.

“Taraba is not poor. We are blessed with natural resources, but these resources have been underutilised and mismanaged,” Nyameh said.
The Accord candidate argued that purposeful leadership, transparency and strategic investment could enable the state to generate more internal revenue while creating employment
 opportunities for its growing population.

He singled out agriculture as one of the sectors with the capacity to serve as the backbone of the state’s economy, particularly if government prioritises mechanised farming, agro-processing, improved access to markets and the development of agricultural value chains.

“The agricultural sector, if properly developed, could become a major driver of Taraba’s economy, particularly through mechanised farming, agro-processing, improved access to markets and the development of value chains,” he said.

Nyameh also called for the responsible exploitation of Taraba’s mineral resources, stressing that mining activities must be properly regulated to prevent environmental degradation and ensure that host communities and the state derive tangible benefits from the sector.

He maintained that the state’s mineral wealth should not be exploited in a manner that leaves local communities with environmental damage while the economic benefits are taken elsewhere.

Beyond agriculture and mining, the governorship candidate identified tourism as another largely untapped sector capable of generating employment and revenue for Taraba.

He pointed to the state’s mountains,
 forests, wildlife and other natural attractions as assets that could attract tourists and investors if adequately developed, preserved and promoted.

Nyameh further advocated increased investment in critical infrastructure, including roads, electricity, water supply and healthcare, describing them as essential foundations for unlocking the economic potential of rural communities and connecting producers to markets.

He said a government genuinely committed to development must move beyond political rhetoric and adopt policies capable of converting Taraba’s natural endowments into measurable improvements in the lives of its citizens.

According to him, the state requires a governance model anchored on accountability, efficient utilisation of public resources and stronger partnerships with the private sector to accelerate economic growth.

He expressed optimism that Taraba could emerge as one of Nigeria’s leading economic hubs if its resources were properly managed and its people given greater opportunities to participate in the state’s development.

Nyameh therefore urged the people of Taraba to demand greater accountability from political leaders, stressing the need for policies that would promote sustainable development, create jobs and improve living standards across the state.