Benue to establish Energy Commission, signs MoU with REA

Benue State Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has announced the establishment of an independent Energy Commission designed to serve as a single-window interface for investors.

The Governor made the disclosure on Wednesday during a roundtable engagement with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in Abuja.

Governor Alia explained that the state is currently developing a comprehensive Energy Master Plan and opening its electricity market to private participation.

The new Commission, acting as a Special Purpose Vehicle, will coordinate projects, mobilize capital, and streamline approvals to ensure the efficient deployment of investor funds.

“This Commission will coordinate projects, mobilise capital, streamline approvals, and ensure efficient deployment of investor funds, serving as a one-stop platform for energy investments in the state,” Governor Alia stated.

Highlighting the state’s strategy, he emphasized that energy transition must be inclusive and skills-driven.

To this end, Benue is integrating capacity development and technology transfer into its energy programs to ensure global capital translates into local jobs and economic value.

The administration plans to open the electricity system to Independent Power Producers and energy service companies across generation, distribution, and off-grid sectors.

The Governor noted that the impact of these strategies would be transformative, providing industrial zones and commercial enterprises with reliable electricity to reduce costs and attract investment.

He also highlighted the state’s abundant renewable resources, including solar, biomass, small hydro, and coalbed methane, which will be harnessed to prioritize power for schools and hospitals.

A high-powered task force is being established to develop the Energy Master Plan, which will define priority projects and create a regulatory framework to boost investor confidence.

Alia added that the expansion of electric vehicles and CNG-powered transport would further foster a green mobility ecosystem.

During the event, the Benue State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the REA.

The Managing Director of the REA, Engr. Abba Aliyu, described the agreement as symbolic, aimed at deepening electrification access across the state.

“We have already started with 16 projects, and our target is to see about 100 mini-grids and interconnected mini-grids being deployed in Benue State,” Aliyu said, noting that the agency is partnering with the private sector to utilize over $1.1 billion in funding secured by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Benue’s Commissioner for Renewable Energy, Power, and Transport, Hon. Jir Joseph Ter, reiterated the government’s readiness to support private investors with incentives to enhance power supply and availability for the people.