By Amos Aar
BENUE State is positioning itself as Nigeria’s next investment hotspot, with Governor Hyacinth Alia declaring the state “ready for business” in key sectors like agriculture and renewable energy.
Speaking during a high-profile visit by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) on Monday, Governor Alia outlined bold plans to attract “bankable, well-structured, and impact-driven” investments, leveraging the state’s vast agricultural potential and untapped energy opportunities.
“If you are looking for fertile soil and a ready market, Benue is your destination,” the governor declared, as quoted by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula.
With some of Nigeria’s most fertile arable lands, Benue is calling on investors to tap into lucrative agro-processing ventures — particularly in high-demand crops like tomatoes, yams, and ginger.
But agriculture isn’t the only sector in focus. The governor emphasized the urgent need for reliable energy to drive industrialization, revealing ongoing collaborations with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to attract renewable energy providers.
Security concerns? Not in Benue, the governor assured. He highlighted proactive measures, including the newly established Bureau for Homeland Security and the Anyam Nyor paramilitary force, designed to safeguard investments.
To streamline investor engagement, Alia introduced the Benue Investment and Promotion Agency (BENIPA) as a one-stop shop offering professional guidance and swift approvals.
The PEBEC visit marks a pivotal step in unlocking Benue’s economic potential — but will investors answer the call?
