Benue State Positions Itself as Nigeria's Next Renewable Energy Investment Hub at Federal Power Investment Forum

Benue State Positions Itself as Nigeria's Next Renewable Energy Investment Hub at Federal Power Investment Forum

Emmanuel  Oduara 

The Benue State Government has intensified efforts to position the state as one of Nigeria's emerging destinations for renewable energy investment following its participation in a high-level Renewable Energy Investment Forum convened by the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in Lagos.

The strategic forum brought together senior government officials, development finance institutions, international investors, renewable energy developers, private sector stakeholders and multilateral partners to explore investment opportunities aimed at accelerating Nigeria's energy transition, expanding electricity access and supporting the Federal Government's drive toward universal electrification.

Benue State was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Power, Transport and Renewable Energy, Hon. Joseph Ter Ijir, who attended on behalf of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, alongside officials of Idealab Agency Ltd.

The participation reflects the Benue State Government's renewed commitment to implementing comprehensive electricity reforms following the enactment of the law establishing the Benue State Electricity Regulatory Commission (BSERC). The landmark legislation aligns with the constitutional and policy reforms that now permit states to regulate their electricity markets, license operators and encourage private sector investment in electricity generation, transmission, distribution and renewable energy projects.

The creation of BSERC represents a significant milestone in Benue's energy reform agenda and is expected to stimulate investments in solar mini-grids, rural electrification, independent power projects, clean energy infrastructure and off-grid electricity solutions capable of improving energy access across urban and rural communities.

During the investment forum, participants examined financing models designed to bridge Nigeria's electricity access gap while promoting sustainable energy technologies, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth.

Speaking during the engagement, Engr. Polycarp Tersoo Andura, FNSE, FNIWE, FNIEE, Director of Engineering Services at Idealab Agency Ltd, urged international investors, donor agencies and development partners to seize emerging opportunities within Benue State's rapidly evolving electricity sector.

He emphasized that increased investment in renewable energy infrastructure would accelerate economic development, improve electricity reliability and enhance industrial productivity throughout the state.

Engr. Andura further advocated stronger institutional collaboration among the Benue State Government, the Federal Ministry of Power, the Rural Electrification Agency, the Benue State Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED), stressing that effective regulatory coordination, technical certification and policy alignment remain essential for attracting sustainable private capital.

He noted that a transparent regulatory environment and coordinated implementation framework would significantly strengthen investor confidence while ensuring long-term viability of renewable energy projects across Benue State.

As part of recommendations arising from the forum, stakeholders encouraged the Benue State Government to strengthen inter-state collaboration by engaging with the Enugu State Government to leverage successful electricity sector reforms, regulatory experiences and renewable energy development strategies already being implemented.

Addressing prospective investors, Hon. Joseph Ter Ijir reaffirmed Governor Hyacinth Alia's unwavering commitment to transforming Benue's electricity sector through strategic investments in rural electrification, solar energy deployment, renewable power generation and modern electricity infrastructure.

The Commissioner stated that the state government has established the legal and institutional framework required to commence electricity generation and distribution under the new regulatory regime, creating fresh opportunities for public-private partnerships capable of delivering reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity to households, businesses and industries.

He assured investors that the Benue State Government remains committed to providing an enabling investment climate that guarantees regulatory certainty, transparency and long-term support for energy infrastructure development.

Also speaking at the forum, the Managing Director of Idealab Agency Ltd, Ambassador Rex Emmanuel Aondoakaa, called on the Benue State Government to maximize funding opportunities available through international development finance institutions, particularly the World Bank-supported investment platforms.

Ambassador Aondoakaa urged the state to meet its equity contribution obligations to unlock financing opportunities under the YIELD Group initiative supported through the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) Venture Capital Private Initiative, which is providing investment support for greenfield electricity generation projects and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure.

According to him, timely participation in the programme  significantly enhance Benue's capacity to attract international capital, stimulate industrial growth, expand critical infrastructure, generate employment opportunities and strengthen the state's competitiveness as a preferred destination for renewable energy investment in Nigeria.

The forum concluded with renewed optimism over Benue State's growing energy sector reforms and its readiness to partner with the Federal Government, development institutions, private investors and international organizations in advancing Nigeria's clean energy transition.

Stakeholders noted that with the establishment of an independent electricity regulatory framework, increasing policy reforms and a strong commitment to renewable energy development, Benue State is strategically positioned to become a leading hub for sustainable electricity investment, rural electrification and green economic growth in Nigeria.

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