Governor Hyacinth Alia says Benue plans to establish an energy commission to coordinate energy investments.

Mr Alia disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the Rural Electrification Agency roundtable engagement with Benue.

He explained that the proposed energy commission would operate as a special, independent vehicle responsible for coordinating projects, mobilising capital, streamlining approvals, and ensuring the efficient deployment of investor 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.

According to him, solar-powered schools and hospitals will enjoy uninterrupted services, thereby strengthening education and health care delivery.

The governor said that expanding electric vehicles, electric bikes, and compressed natural gas-powered transport would reduce emissions, foster a green mobility ecosystem, and create new economic opportunities.

According to him, Benue will gain access to electricity, which will drive inclusion, productivity, and improved quality of life.

Mr Alia also said that these initiatives would create green jobs, deepen energy access, enhance climate resilience, and position the state as a benchmark for energy-led industrial development in Nigeria.

The governor said Benue would also establish a high-powered task force to develop the state’s energy master plan, define priority projects, and build bankable investment pipelines.

Mr Alia said that the task force would also create a robust regulatory framework to ensure transparency, predictability, and investor confidence.

According to him, the plan is for the task force to also serve as a blueprint for renewable energy deployment and industrial energy solutions such as CNG.

“In developing our 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,” he said.

Mr Alia said that decentralised energy would enable private investors to efficiently serve industrial clusters, agro-processing zones, and off-grid communities.

(NAN)