From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth  Alia, on Monday, gave assent to the Benue State Electricity Law.

The governor signing the law described it as a landmark piece of legislation that would transform the state’s power sector, attract investors, create jobs and strengthen consumer protection.

Alia who performed signing at government house Makurdi, noted that the new law established a legal framework for electricity generation, transmission and distribution within Benue State, in line with the powers granted to states under Nigeria’s electricity sector reforms.

He maintained that the legislation is expected to facilitate increased investment in the power sector, encourage competition, improve service delivery and expand access to electricity across the state and commended the Benue State House of Assembly for passing the bill, stressing that stable electricity remains a critical requirement for economic growth and industrial development.

According to him, no state can create a truly investor-friendly environment without reliable power supply. He expressed confidence that the new law would become a game-changer for Benue, helping to reposition the state as a destination for business and industrial investment.

“The electricity law I am assenting to today remains my prayer for a game-changer,” the governor stated, stressing that Benue must move beyond the perception of being merely a civil service state and begin fully exploiting its vast agricultural, mineral and economic potential.

Governor Alia explained that the law would strengthen the state’s position in dealing with electricity providers and investors, while ensuring that consumers receive fair treatment. He said the legislation would promote improved power supply for homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and industries, while creating mechanisms for enforcing consumer rights, ensuring fair billing practices, improving service delivery and accelerating the resolution of complaints.

The governor further noted that the law would encourage private sector participation in electricity generation and distribution, especially in underserved communities. He added that increased competition within the sector would ultimately help reduce electricity costs and stimulate economic activities across the state.

He revealed that the state government is already studying opportunities created by Nigeria’s Electricity Act and exploring ways to harness Benue’s abundant water resources for power generation. He said the River Benue, River Katsina-Ala and other water bodies present enormous opportunities for hydroelectric development and private sector investment.

Governor Alia also challenged electricity providers operating in the state to increase employment opportunities for Benue indigenes, arguing that communities hosting critical infrastructure should benefit directly from such investments.

Beyond the electricity law, the governor highlighted several ongoing initiatives aimed at driving economic growth and improving the welfare of citizens.

He pointed to the recent launch of the 2026 subsidized fertilizer and farm inputs distribution programme, under which farmers will purchase fertilizer at ₦28,000 per bag, with government covering a substantial portion of the cost. He said the intervention is intended to encourage commercial agriculture, increase food production and improve farmers’ incomes.

The governor urged farmers to embrace dry-season farming, describing it as more profitable than relying solely on rain-fed agriculture. He encouraged farmers to expand cultivation of citrus fruits, mangoes, pineapples, tomatoes, pepper and grains, assuring them of government support through subsidized inputs and access to tractors.

Governor Alia disclosed that a new concentrate processing company established in the state’s industrial layout has been completed and awaits commissioning. 

According to him, discussions are already underway with major concentrate-producing companies, creating fresh opportunities for farmers to supply raw materials to processing industries.

While highlighting the progress of the Zeva Beer Company,  the governor stated that market demand for the product has demonstrated the importance of retaining capital within the state and supporting local industries.

He called on civil servants, youths and other residents to take advantage of available agricultural opportunities, stressing that farming remains one of the most sustainable pathways to wealth creation. 

“I encourage participation in the state’s Young Farmers Club initiative. Also residents should utilize available land, however small, for productive agricultural activities.

Speaking on governance, Alia said his administration has maintained consistent payment of salaries and pensions over the past three years, while simultaneously investing in road construction, school rehabilitation and healthcare infrastructure.

He maintained that these achievements are part of a deliberate development plan designed to reposition Benue for long-term growth.

The governor further disclosed that the state possesses significant deposits of oil, gas and other mineral resources, and emphasized the need for Benue to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on federal allocations.

Calling on citizens to support ongoing development efforts, Alia urged residents to reject negativity and focus on ideas that attract investment, stimulate enterprise and promote the overall growth of the state.

He expressed optimism that the newly signed electricity law would mark the beginning of a new era of industrialization, improved infrastructure and economic prosperity for Benue people.

“The train is moving,” the governor declared. “There is no looking back, there is no going back, and there is no stopping until we get to our final destination.”

President Bola Tinubu on Monday swore-in two newly appointed ministers, Joseph Tegbe as Minister of Power and Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the President’s Office in the State House, Abuja, shortly after Tinubu received Madagascar’s President, Michael Randrianirina, on a courtesy visit.

The Oath of Office was administered in the presence of Gov.  Usman Ododo of Kogi, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials.

The inauguration marks the formal commencement of the ministers’ responsibilities as members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The swearing-in follows recent cabinet adjustments approved by the president to strengthen policy implementation and enhance performance in key sectors of government.

Tegbe, an indigene of Oyo State, is a fiscal, economic and institutional reform strategist with more than 35 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors.

He holds a First Class Degree in Civil Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, as well as Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Public Administration.

Before his appointment, he served as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led major transformational and public-sector reform initiatives.

His professional engagements have covered institutions such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Shell, Huawei, General Electric, MTN and Odu’a Group.

Enikanolaiye, from Kogi, holds a First Class Degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he emerged the best graduating student in his faculty.

He also obtained a Master’s Degree in International Law and Diplomacy with Distinction from the University of Lagos.

The diplomat joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1982 and rose through the ranks to become Permanent Secretary, a position he held until his retirement in August 2017 after 35 years of service.

During his diplomatic career, he served in Nigeria’s missions in Ethiopia, Serbia, Canada and the United Kingdom, and was later appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India.

Before his appointment as minister, Enikanolaiye served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations in the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.

He is a recipient of several honours, including the Presidential Civil Service Merit Award and the Presidential Distinguished Public Service Career Award.

The Senate in May screened and confirmed Tegbe and Enikanolaiye as ministers following Tinubu’s request.

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

Nigeria’s total imports value stood at ₦13,619.33billion in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 18.17% decrease from the value recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2025 (₦16,644.

The National Bureau of Statistics(NBS) has said in its latest report on foreign trade. Analysis of Nigeria’s import trade reveals that China remained the leading source of imports in the first quarter of 2026, followed by the United States of America, India, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates.

The most imported commodities during the quarter were petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals (crude), gas oil, durum wheat, machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission of voice, images, or data, and used vehicles with diesel or semi-diesel engines.

According to the report, the value of agricultural goods imported in Q1 2026 stood at ₦827.72billion, representing a 20.09% decrease compared to ₦1,035.81billion recorded in Q1 2025, and a 42.39% decrease relative to ₦1,436.65 billion recorded in Q4 2025.

The report further said in the same period, the import value of raw material goods was₦1,582.36billion, representing a 12.63% decrease from ₦1,811.10billion in Q1 2025, and a 32.72% decrease compared to ₦2,351.88 billion in the preceding quarter (Q4 2025).

In the first quarter of 2026, solid mineral imports were valued at ₦69.75billion, representing a 24.00% decrease from ₦91.78billion in Q1 2025 and 50.53% decrease compared to ₦140.99 billion recorded in Q4 2025.

Still in the same period, the value of imported manufactured goods stood at ₦8,484.37billion, reflecting a 12.94% increase from ₦7,512.22billion in Q1 2025, and a 3.62% decrease from ₦8,803.27 billion recorded in Q4 2025.

The data also highlights the value of other oil products imported in Q1 2026 which stood at ₦748.10billion, reflecting a 85.05% decrease from ₦5,005.22billion in Q1 2025 and a 81.38% decrease from ₦4,018.31 billion recorded in Q4 2025.