Lighting Up Benue And The Depth Of Gov. Alia’s Infrastructure Transformation

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the Benue State Government signed a life changing Memorandum of Understanding with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) as part of the government’s strategy to accelerate private investment in the state’s Renewable Energy Ecosystem.

This initiative is being followed by the establishment of a high-powered task force to develop the state energy master plan that will clearly define the state’s priority projects and develop bankable investment plans.

To drive this life-changing initiative, the Benue State Government is setting up the state energy commission to coordinate investments in the energy sector.

The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who gave detailed explanations on the state’s energy strategy during the Abuja roundtable with REA officials which culminated into the signing of the MoU, added that the energy commission would operate as a special independent vehicle responsible for coordinating projects, mobilising capital, streamlining approvals, and ensuring the efficient deployment of investors funds.

”It will serve as the one stock platform for energy investment in the state. The impact of these strategies will be transformative. Industrial zones and commercial enterprises will gain reliable electricity, reduce operational costs, and attract further investments,” he said.

It is an initiative that will guarantee uninterrupted electricity for businesses, schools, hospitals, government offices, and homes, as well as renewable energy for the transport sector. The state is well set to access electricity that drives inclusive productivity and improved quality of life.

According to the governor, the high-powered task force to develop the state energy master plan is also expected to create a robust regulatory framework to guarantee transparency, predictability, and investor confidence.

It’s activities will serve as a blueprint for renewable energy deployment and industrial energy solution in the state that will lead to expansion of electric vehicles, electric bikes, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) power for transportation, thereby reducing emissions, foster green mobility ecosystem and create new economic opportunities.

In developing the state’s energy strategy, Benue has carefully studied Nigeria’s ongoing power sector reforms, particularly the decentralisation of electricity generation and distribution enabled by the Electricity Act, 2023.

Rather than replicate existing national structures, the government deliberately adapted the parts that suit Benue’s unique economic profile, industrial ambitions, and energy demand patterns.

While the national grid remains important, the strategy acknowledges its limitations in meeting sub-national and industrial energy needs. Benue, therefore, is designing a complementary decentralised energy model. One that reduces dependence on the national grid and supports embedded and captive power solutions.

This decentralised energy will enable private investors to efficiently serve industrial clusters , agro-processing zones, and off-grid communities. Just as the state will gain access to electricity that creates green jobs, deepen energy access, enhance climate resilience, and position the state as a benchmark for energy-led industrial development in Nigeria.

Under the MoU, according to Mr Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of REA, Benue State Government would woo private investors to achieve 100 percent electrification in the state, while the REA will provide funds for the projects.

He explained that said that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the REA has received up to 750 million dollars for projects, which states could access.

Specifically, 750 million dollars is meant to develop 1,350 mini-grids the capacity to provide electricity for 17.5 million Nigerians. It is also to develop 250 interconnected mini-grids and deploy over 10 million solar home systems.

– Bridget Tikyaa , Principal  Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Communications Strategy