A News Analysis by Bridget Tikyaa
Governor Hyacinth Alia has unveiled an ambitious initiative to position Benue State as a leader in energy innovation, industrialization, and sustainable economic development. This bold vision seeks to harness the state’s abundant natural resources, elevating Benue not only as Nigeria’s food basket but also as a hub for clean and sustainable energy solutions that will drive economic growth.
Governor Alia emphasized, “Energy will be the foundation upon which we build the industrial future of Benue State. Our state is endowed with abundant natural resources that can power industries, create jobs, and drive sustainable economic growth. With the right investments and policies, we can transform Benue into a major player in Nigeria’s energy transition.”
Central to this vision is the state’s active hosting of the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) Stakeholders Consultative Forum, which brought together key figures from the energy and gas sectors, including representatives from the Presidential CNG Initiative, as well as energy policy experts, technical professionals, investors, and government officials. This forum, a pivotal event for Benue, focused on making Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) the preferred fuel for transportation and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) the fuel of choice for cooking, power generation, and small-scale industries. The NGEP, with its N250 billion intervention fund, provides a unique opportunity for Benue to stimulate investments across the gas value chain and play a leading role in Nigeria’s energy transition.
Benue is rich in energy resources, including substantial natural gas reserves in Guma, Konshisha, and Agatu, as well as coal deposits in Owukpa, Okpokwu, and Wannune. The state is also exploring the extraction of clean methane gas from coal, which aligns with global best practices for sustainable energy production. Governor Alia highlighted, “This innovative process not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also offers clean, affordable energy to power industries, businesses, and homes across our state. It’s a win for the environment, the economy, and the people of Benue.”
In addition, bioethanol derived from sugarcane and cassava represents another significant energy opportunity. Governor Alia pledged to resuscitate the moribund Biofuel project at Agasha-Guma, which has the potential to produce 84 million liters of ethanol annually, create over one million jobs, and provide valuable by-products such as fertilizers and animal feed. “By revitalizing this project, we will not only enhance our energy capacity but also support our agricultural sector and further strengthen our economy,” the Governor said.
Also, during the National Gas Expansion Programme Stakeholders Consultative Forum held in Makurdi, Governor Alia reiterated that energy would be the bedrock of Benue’s industrialization. “We envision powering industrial parks in all 23 local government areas, creating hubs for agro-processing, manufacturing, and other energy-intensive industries. These parks will stimulate job creation, attract investment, and position Benue as a leading industrial hub in Nigeria,” he stated.
The synergy between natural gas, Coal Bed Methane (CBM), coal, and bioethanol will not only drive industrialization but also improve the living standards of Benue’s people, reduce unemployment, and make the state more competitive both nationally and globally.
Governor Alia also called for increased investments in CNG infrastructure, including the establishment of CNG conversion centers, the distribution of CNG conversion kits, and the expansion of CNG filling stations. “To demonstrate our commitment to this transformative agenda, we have already begun the process of establishing CNG conversion centers. We invite investors to collaborate with us on this initiative to make clean energy solutions accessible and affordable to our people,” he added.
The Governor appealed for Benue’s inclusion in the NGEP’s intervention plans, requesting the provision of 5,000 vehicle conversion kits, 50 CNG buses, and 200 CNG tricycles to improve access to cleaner transportation options.
Governor Alia concluded, “This ambitious vision cannot be achieved alone. We are open to partnerships with investors, development partners, and technical experts who share our commitment to building a sustainable, prosperous future for the people of Benue. Together, we can unlock the vast opportunities that lie before us and create an energy-efficient and industrially vibrant state.”
The five-day NGEP consultative forum brought much excitement to Seember Wayo, Esq., the PSA to the Governor on Legal Matters and Secretary of the Benue National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) Consultative Forum. According to Wayo, the event was a significant milestone for the state. “This consultative forum marks a giant stride in our pursuit of an industrialized and energy-efficient Benue. The lectures were insightful, showcasing innovative energy solutions and investment opportunities. It has provided us with a clear pathway to actualizing the Governor’s vision,” she said.
Sir Alex Addingi, Special Adviser to the Governor on International Investment and Coordinator of Benue NGEP, also expressed his satisfaction with the success of the forum. He pointed to Benue’s groundbreaking policy on Coal Bed Methane (CBM) development as key to ensuring energy sufficiency and driving the state’s industrial growth.
With Governor Alia’s leadership and the collective effort of all stakeholders, Benue State is poised to become a beacon of sustainable energy and industrial development in Nigeria. The Governor’s vision, paired with strategic investments in renewable energy, will unlock the state’s full economic potential, creating a prosperous, energy-efficient future for all.
Bridget Tikyaa
Is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Publicity and Communications Strategy
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