The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has signed the state’s Electricity Bill into law, describing it as a major step towards improving power supply, attracting investment, and driving economic development.
The development was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev.
According to the statement, Alia said the law would open up the electricity sector to greater investment, promote competition, strengthen consumer protection, and expand access to power in underserved communities across the state.
While assenting to the bill, the governor described it as a landmark step towards accelerating economic growth, improving electricity supply, and creating sustainable development opportunities.
The statement added that the new law is expected to boost businesses, stimulate industrial growth, create employment opportunities, and improve service delivery in both urban and rural areas. It will also strengthen collaboration between electricity providers and consumers while enhancing investor confidence in the state’s energy sector.
Alia commended the Benue State House of Assembly for passing the bill and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment and sustainable development.
He noted that although similar legislation ought to have been enacted years ago, his administration was determined to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and accelerate progress in the state.
“Despite Benue State’s 50-year history, there is renewed determination under his leadership to build lasting achievements that future generations will be proud of,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
It added that “significant progress has already been made, with more transformative initiatives underway.”
The signing follows the passage of the bill by the Benue State House of Assembly months earlier as part of broader legislative efforts to strengthen infrastructure, resource management, and regulatory frameworks in the state.
One of the bills establishes the Benue State Electricity/Power Management Agency, which will provide a framework for improved electricity governance and distribution.
