By Samson Adeyanju
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has announced plans to establish an Energy Commission to coordinate and drive energy investments in the state.
Alia disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a Rural Electrification Agency (REA), roundtable engagement with Benue State, themed “From Strategy to Accelerating Private Investment in Benue State’s Renewable Energy Ecosystem.”
He said the proposed commission would function as an independent vehicle to coordinate projects, mobilise capital, streamline approvals and ensure efficient deployment of investor funds.
According to him, the commission will serve as a one-stop platform for energy investments, with far-reaching economic impact.
The governor noted that reliable power supply would boost industrial zones and commercial activities, reduce operating costs and attract further investments, while solar-powered schools and hospitals would enjoy uninterrupted services, strengthening education and healthcare delivery.
Alia added that the expansion of electric vehicles, electric bikes and compressed natural gas-powered transport would reduce emissions, promote green mobility and create new economic opportunities.
He said the initiatives would also generate green jobs, deepen energy access, enhance climate resilience and position Benue as a model for energy-driven industrial development.
He further disclosed plans to establish a high-powered task force to develop the state’s energy master plan, identify priority projects, build bankable investment pipelines and create a transparent regulatory framework to boost investor confidence.
According to Alia, Benue’s energy strategy aligns with Nigeria’s power sector reforms under the Electricity Act, 2023, while adopting a decentralised energy model to complement the national grid and support embedded and captive power solutions for industrial clusters and off-grid communities.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of the REA, Mr Abba Aliyu, said the agency had secured a $750 million project fund under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to develop 1,350 mini-grids, electrify 17.5 million Nigerians, deploy 250 interconnected mini-grids and over 10 million solar home systems.
He said the engagement was aimed at attracting private investors to help Benue achieve full electrification.
A memorandum of understanding was later signed between Benue State and the REA, with goodwill messages from several state officials and stakeholders.
