Benue set to lead in energy, industrialisation, sustainable economic development

Governor Hyacinth Alia has unveiled an ambitious initiative to position Benue State as a leader in energy innovation, industrialisation, and sustainable economic development. The 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.

“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,” Governor Alia emphasized.

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. The 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.

“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 is a win for the environment, the economy, and the people of Benue.”

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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.

“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,” Governor Alia concluded.