Benue Woos Global Investors, Seeks Climate Finance At COP31

Benue State has stepped up efforts to attract international investors, climate finance and strategic partnerships as it showcases its environmental sustainability and climate resilience agenda at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.

The state is being represented at the global climate conference by Mr Zaki Asen, Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on International and Global Partnership, whose participation is expected to strengthen Benue’s engagement with international development partners, investors and climate-focused institutions.

Asen’s formal accreditation provides an opportunity for the state to present its climate-related initiatives to the international community and explore investment opportunities in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, forest conservation, carbon markets and flood management.

The participation comes as the Alia administration intensifies efforts to integrate environmental sustainability and climate resilience into Benue’s development agenda.

Among the initiatives being implemented by the state are the establishment of the Benue State Council on Climate Change, the approval of the Benue State Agro-Climatic and Watershed Management Agency, and the implementation of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) programme.

Through ACReSAL, the state has supported climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, reforestation, watershed restoration and community-based environmental interventions.

The administration has also supported agricultural mechanisation through the provision of tractors and funding for community farming groups, aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity and improving the resilience of rural livelihoods.

Another major component of the state’s climate diplomacy was Governor Alia’s engagement with United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed in April 2026.

The meeting explored opportunities for international collaboration on the restoration of River Benue, flood control, climate-smart agriculture and a proposed Benue Climate Resilience Compact.

The state’s participation at COP31 reflects its determination that Benue should not merely participate in shaping the global climate conversation but also benefit from the opportunities it presents.

For a state widely recognised as Nigeria’s Food Basket, the effects of climate change on agriculture, flooding, water resources and rural livelihoods make access to climate finance particularly important.

Climate-smart agriculture, carbon markets, forest conservation, renewable energy, flood resilience and international climate financing offer opportunities to strengthen the state’s economy and protect the livelihoods of its people.

Asen’s assignment, therefore, goes beyond international representation. It provides an opportunity to build strategic relationships, identify investment opportunities and translate global climate discussions into practical development programmes.

The expected outcomes include stronger international partnerships, access to climate finance, technical cooperation, opportunities for credible carbon credit projects and investments capable of creating green jobs for Benue’s growing population.

Zaki said “Governor Alia deserves commendation for his pragmatic climate leadership and recognition of the importance of international cooperation in addressing Benue’s environmental and developmental challenges.

“

“Ultimately, the success of Benue’s participation should be measured by the partnerships established and tangible benefits delivered to its communities.

“Benue must not merely participate in shaping the global climate conversation; it must return with opportunities, investments and partnerships that secure a more sustainable future for its people.”