by George Ozalla
The Benue State Government has announced plans to establish a State Energy Commission as part of efforts to reposition the power sector, attract private investment and expand access to reliable electricity across the state.
Governor Hyacinth Alia disclosed this in Abuja during a strategic engagement with the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, where the state also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the agency to deepen collaboration on renewable energy development and rural electrification.
The governor said the proposed Energy Commission will serve as a central coordinating body for all energy-related activities in the state, providing a single-window platform for investors, streamlining approvals, mobilising capital and ensuring effective deployment of resources in the power sector. He noted that the commission will drive the implementation of a comprehensive energy master plan designed to open the state’s electricity market to independent power producers and energy service companies.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at addressing persistent power challenges affecting households, businesses, schools, hospitals and industrial clusters, while lowering production costs and stimulating economic growth. He added that Benue is positioning itself to harness its vast renewable energy potential, including solar, biomass, small hydro and other clean energy sources, to support sustainable development.
Governor Alia also said the state’s energy transition strategy will place strong emphasis on local capacity development, skills transfer and job creation, with deliberate plans to integrate training and technology development into energy projects. He explained that priority will be given to projects capable of powering productive sectors of the economy, particularly agro-processing, small and medium-scale enterprises and public infrastructure.
Under the MoU, the Rural Electrification Agency is expected to support Benue in expanding off-grid and mini-grid solutions, especially in underserved rural and peri-urban communities. Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to accelerating electricity access through renewable energy and private sector participation.
Aliyu disclosed that several electrification projects are already underway in Benue, with plans to roll out additional mini-grids and interconnected systems across the state. He said the agency is leveraging significant funding mobilised by the Federal Government to scale up energy access nationwide, particularly for communities beyond the reach of the national grid.
The Benue State Commissioner for Renewable Energy, Power and Transport, Jir Joseph Ter, said the state government will provide the necessary policy support and incentives to encourage private investment in the power sector. He expressed confidence that improved electricity supply will boost productivity, enhance livelihoods and create a more competitive business environment in the state.
The agreement with REA places Benue among states aligning with national efforts to close Nigeria’s electricity access gap through renewable energy partnerships, institutional reforms and decentralised power solutions targeted at sustainable and inclusive growth.
