Our Lagos correspondent reports that the Benue State Government says it is ready to power its rural communities and attract private capital into the energy sector, following high-level engagements with local and international investors in Lagos. With a new electricity law in place, the state is positioning itself as a destination for solar, renewable energy, and sustainable power infrastructure. Excerpts.
Representing Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia at the forum, the Honourable Commissioner for Power, Transport and Renewable Energy, Hon. Joseph Ter Ijir, led Benue’s delegation alongside Idealab Agency Ltd. The event was organized by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Federal Ministry of Power.
The investment forum focused on expanding opportunities in solar mini-grids, renewable energy projects, and sustainable electricity infrastructure. For Benue, the timing is strategic.
The engagement comes shortly after the passage of the law establishing the Benue State Electricity Regulatory Commission. The new law gives the state the power to regulate its electricity market and opens the door for private sector participation in generation and distribution.
Speaking at the event, Engr. Polycarp Tersoo Andura, FNSE, FNIWE, FNIEE, Director of Engineering Services at Idealab Agency Ltd, called on foreign investors and development partners to look toward Benue. He said the state’s power and renewable energy sector is ripe for growth.
Engr. Andura emphasized the need for increased funding for renewable projects. He also advocated for seamless regulatory coordination, proper certification, and stronger collaboration between the Benue State Government, the Federal Government, the Benue State Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED).
According to him, strengthening these institutional partnerships will create a more predictable environment for investors and help expand electricity access to communities that have been off-grid for years.
The forum also advised Benue to explore strategic partnerships with the Enugu State Government. The goal, participants said, is to learn from Enugu’s experience in electricity sector reforms and renewable energy development.
Addressing investors directly, Commissioner Joseph Ter Ijir reaffirmed Governor Alia’s commitment to rural electrification, solar power, and broader energy development. He assured that Benue is fully prepared to commence electricity generation and distribution under the new legal framework.
He added that with the right partnerships, Benue can contribute meaningfully to improved energy access not just within the state, but across Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Idealab Agency Ltd, Ambassador Rex Emmanuel Aondoakaa, urged the state to take advantage of funding windows being offered by the World Bank investment team.
He specifically called on Benue to meet its equity contribution requirements to unlock investments from the YIELD Group under the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) Venture Capital Private initiative. The initiative is financing greenfield power and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) projects.
According to Ambassador Aondoakaa, timely participation will position Benue to attract significant international financing, accelerate infrastructure development, create jobs, and establish the state as a leading hub for renewable energy investments in Nigeria. The Lagos forum, he noted, reaffirmed growing confidence in Benue’s reforms and its readiness to deliver sustainable, affordable, and reliable electricity to its citizens.
