By Bridget Tikyaa
Monday, June 8, 2026 will be etched in the history of Benue State. It is the day Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia took a major decision that will have transformational impact on the economy of the state for generations unborn.
It is the day that Governor Alia signed into law, the Benue State Electricity Law, 2026. This major step will be the beginning of chains of events that will energise the state, light up the streets, boost local economy, create massive jobs and opportunities for numerous people in urban and rural areas.
This initiative began on June 8, 2023 when President Bola Tinubu signed into law an Act of the National Assembly that gives states power to generate and distribute electricity.
The Nigeria Electricity Act 2023, empowers state governments to regulate electricity generation, transmission, and distribution within their respective states.
This decentralization of power is expected to boost electricity supply and promote private sector participation in the energy sector. With this law, states can develop their own electricity markets, establish regulatory commissions, and attract investments to improve power generation and distribution.
This is exactly what the domesticated law signed by the governor seeks to achieve in Benue State.
Benue State’s electricity coverage is still low, it is a work in progress. About 1,207,272 residents lack access to electricity. There is an ongoing project by the Rural Electrification Agency to set up 3,821 potential mini solar grid sites in the state, with 651 communities having over 100 connections for private sector-led mini-grid development.
The state government is already committed to leveraging the Electricity Act 2023 to expand access and attract private sector participation. Some areas identified for potential mini-grid development include Odejo, Mbadede, Gwer, Tarka, Otukpo, Obi, Makurdi, and Gboko.
Over time, positive impacts will roll in. The law has provided legal framework for investment in the power sector, including generation, transmission, and distribution within the state.
This will no doubt lead to more reliable and stable power supply for homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals.
With improved electricity, investors will be more encouraged to establish small, medium and large industries and businesses, and invariably create employment opportunities for thousands of Benue residents, including the youths.
It is a way of easing the cost of buying fuel for generators, which is likely to lower production costs, increase profitability, and make locally produced goods more competitive.
As a governor focused on the welfare of the people, the new law has provisions for protecting the rights of consumers, ensuring fair billing, improved service delivery, quicker resolution of complaints, and accountability framework for all.
It is trite to even mention the monumental impact this will have in rural areas in improving quality of life. The impact will be massive. First, communities that currently lack access to electricity can benefit from expanded power infrastructure. Second, with electricity available, there will be improvement in healthcare services, quality of education, agricultural processing, security, and overall living standard.
In summary, the law will help deliver more reliable electricity, stimulate economic development, protect consumers, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents across Benue State, thereby positioning the state for greater industrialization and sustainable growth.
Bridget Tikyaa
Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Publicity and Communications Strategy