Benue Moves to Create Energy Commission, Woo Investors for Renewable Power Push By Raymond Enoch
Benue State is set to establish an Energy Commission to strategically coordinate and accelerate investments in the power sector, Governor Hyacinth Alia has announced.
The governor disclosed this on in Abuja during a roundtable engagement with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), focused on fast-tracking private sector participation in Benue’s renewable energy ecosystem.
According to Gov Alia, the proposed commission will function as an independent, special-purpose vehicle to harmonise energy projects, mobilise capital, streamline approvals and ensure the efficient deployment of investor funds. He described it as a one-stop platform that will unlock transformative economic outcomes for the state.
“With a coordinated energy framework, industrial zones and commercial enterprises will enjoy reliable electricity, cut operational costs and attract fresh investments,” the governor said.
He noted that the benefits would extend to social infrastructure, with solar-powered schools and hospitals expected to experience uninterrupted services, strengthening education delivery and healthcare outcomes across the state.
Governor Alia added that the expansion of electric vehicles, electric bikes and compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered transport would reduce emissions, foster a green mobility ecosystem and open up new economic opportunities, while broadening access to electricity that drives inclusion, productivity and an improved quality of life.
The governor said the energy initiatives would generate green jobs, deepen energy access, enhance climate resilience and position Benue as a benchmark for energy-driven industrial development in Nigeria.
As part of the strategy, the state plans to inaugurate a high-powered task force to develop a comprehensive Energy Master Plan. The task force will identify priority projects, create bankable investment pipelines and design a robust regulatory framework to ensure transparency, predictability and investor confidence.
He explained that the master plan would also serve as a blueprint for renewable energy deployment and industrial energy solutions, including CNG.
“In developing our energy strategy, Benue has carefully studied Nigeria’s ongoing power sector reforms, particularly the decentralisation of electricity generation and distribution under the Electricity Act, 2023,” Alia said.
Rather than duplicating national structures, he noted that the state is adapting the reforms to reflect Benue’s unique economic profile, industrial ambitions and energy demand patterns. While acknowledging the importance of the national grid, the governor stressed its limitations in meeting sub-national and industrial energy needs.
“Benue is therefore designing a complementary, decentralised energy model that reduces dependence on the national grid and supports embedded and captive power solutions,” he said.
The decentralised approach, according to him, will enable private investors to efficiently power industrial clusters, agro-processing zones and off-grid communities, while integrating renewable energy and gas-based solutions such as CNG and other alternative baseload options.
“Our state is aligning with national energy transition objectives while demonstrating how state-level innovation can translate policy reforms into real outcomes,” Alia added.
On his part, the Managing Director of the REA, Mr Abba Aliyu, revealed that the agency has secured a 750-million-dollar project fund under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Dr Aliyu said the fund would be deployed to develop 1,350 mini-grids to electrify about 17.5 million Nigerians, construct 250 interconnected mini-grids and roll out more than 10 million solar home systems nationwide.
He explained that the roundtable provided an opportunity for the Benue State Government to invite private investors to access the funds in pursuit of 100 per cent electrification in the state.
The event climaxed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Benue State and the REA, accompanied by goodwill messages and commendations from key state officials, including the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Michael Oglegba; the Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company, Dr Raymond Asemakaha; and the Special Adviser on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Fidelis Unongo, among other dignitaries.
