Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state has signed the Benue State Electricity Law, describing the legislation as a major step toward transforming the state’s power sector, attracting investment, creating jobs and improving electricity supply for residents and businesses.
The governor assented to the bill on Monday at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, saying the law provides a legal framework for electricity generation, transmission and distribution within the state, in line with ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector.
According to Alia, the legislation is designed to stimulate private sector participation, encourage competition, strengthen consumer protection and expand access to reliable electricity across Benue.
He commended the Benue State House of Assembly for passing the bill, noting that stable power supply remains essential for economic growth, industrialization and investment.
“No state can create a truly investor-friendly environment without reliable electricity,” the governor said, expressing confidence that the law would reposition Benue as a preferred destination for business and industrial development.
Describing the legislation as a potential “game-changer,” Alia said the state must move beyond its traditional image as a civil service economy and fully harness its agricultural, mineral and commercial potential.
The governor explained that the new law would strengthen the state’s engagement with electricity providers and investors while ensuring consumers receive fair treatment through improved service delivery, fair billing practices and effective complaint resolution mechanisms.
He added that increased private sector participation in electricity generation and distribution, particularly in underserved communities, would improve service delivery, lower costs and stimulate economic activities across the state.
Alia disclosed that the state government is already exploring opportunities created by Nigeria’s Electricity Act and assessing the potential of Benue’s abundant water resources for hydroelectric power generation.
He identified the River Benue, River Katsina-Ala and other water bodies as viable assets for future hydroelectric projects and private sector investment.
The governor also urged electricity companies operating in the state to increase employment opportunities for Benue indigenes, stressing that communities hosting critical infrastructure should benefit directly from such investments.
Beyond the electricity sector, Alia highlighted several initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth and improving livelihoods across the state.
He referenced the recently launched 2026 subsidized fertilizer and farm inputs distribution programme, under which farmers will purchase fertilizer at ₦28,000 per bag, with government subsidizing a significant portion of the cost.
The governor encouraged farmers to embrace dry-season farming and expand the cultivation of crops such as citrus fruits, mangoes, pineapples, tomatoes, peppers and grains. He assured farmers of continued government support through subsidized inputs and access to mechanized farming equipment.
Alia further revealed that a newly established concentrate processing company in the state’s industrial layout has been completed and is awaiting commissioning. Discussions, he said, are ongoing with major concentrate-producing firms, creating new opportunities for local farmers to supply raw materials.
He also cited the growth of Zeva Beer Company as evidence of the benefits of supporting local industries and retaining investment within the state.
Addressing governance and public service delivery, the governor said his administration has consistently paid salaries and pensions over the past three years while investing in road construction, school rehabilitation and healthcare infrastructure.
According to him, these efforts form part of a broader development strategy aimed at repositioning Benue for sustainable economic growth.
Alia also noted that the state possesses significant deposits of oil, gas and other mineral resources, emphasizing the need for economic diversification and reduced dependence on federal allocations.
He called on residents to support ongoing development initiatives, embrace entrepreneurship and agriculture, and promote ideas capable of attracting investment and driving growth.
Expressing optimism about the impact of the new electricity law, the governor said it would usher in a new era of industrialization, infrastructure development and economic prosperity for the people of Benue.
“The train is moving,” Alia declared. “There is no looking back, there is no going back, and there is no stopping until we get to our final destination.”