The Benue State Government has moved to accelerating rural electrification and renewable energy development in its grassroots community by wooing local and international investors.

The move was made at the just concluded high-level investment forum organised by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Federal Ministry of Power in Lagos.

BENUE State Commissioner for Power, Transport and Renewable Energy, Joseph Ter Ijir, pointed that the engagement follows the recent passage of the law establishing the Benue State Electricity Regulatory Commission, a milestone that positions the state to regulate its electricity market and attract private sector participation in power generation and distribution.

Representing the Governor, Hyacinth Alia at the event, the Commissioner for Power, Transport and Renewable Energy, Joseph Ter Ijir, assured investors of the government’s dedication to supporting solar power projects and electricity development.

He said “Benue is fully prepared to commence electricity generation and distribution under the new legal framework, thereby contributing to improved energy access within the state and across Nigeria,” Ijir said in a statement by the Director Corporate Communication and Advocacy of Idealab Agency Limited, Comrade Gbaa Nguuma.

Also the Director of Engineering Services at Idealab, Engr Polycarp Andura, called on foreign investors and development partners to tap into Benue’s growing power sector.

He emphasised the need for increased funding and advocated seamless regulatory coordination among the state government, the Federal Government, the state regulatory commission, and the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED).

Andura insisted that “Strengthening these institutional partnerships will create a conducive environment for sustainable investment and improved electricity access across the state.

On his part, Managing Director of Idealab Ambassador Rex Aondoakaa, urged the state government to take advantage of funding opportunities offered by the World Bank investment team.

He advised the state to fulfil its equity contribution requirements to unlock investments from the YIELD Group under the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) for financing greenfield power and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) projects.

“Timely participation in the initiative will position Benue to attract significant international financing, accelerate infrastructure development, create employment opportunities, and establish itself as a leading destination for renewable energy investments in Nigeria,” Aondoakaa said.