Alia signs Benue electricity bill into law, targets improved power supply

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has signed the state’s Electricity Bill into law, calling it a major step toward improving power supply, attracting investment, and boosting economic development.

A statement issued on Monday by the governor’s Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, confirmed the development.

According to the statement, Alia explained that the new law would open up the power sector for increased investment, promote competition, enhance consumer protection, and expand electricity access to underserved communities across the state.

While assenting to the bill, the governor described it as a landmark move to accelerate economic growth and create sustainable development opportunities.

The law is expected to energise businesses, stimulate industrial growth, generate jobs, and improve service delivery in both urban and rural areas. It also aims to strengthen cooperation between electricity providers and consumers while boosting 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 the legislation should have been enacted years ago, his government remains determined to break bureaucratic bottlenecks and move the state forward.

The governor urged residents to support the administration’s development agenda, stating that despite the state’s 50‑year history, there is a renewed determination under his leadership to build lasting achievements that future generations will be proud of. He added that significant progress has already been made, with more transformative initiatives underway.

The signing follows the bill’s passage by the state assembly months ago as part of four measures aimed at strengthening infrastructure, resource management, and regulatory systems. One of those bills sought to establish the Benue State Electricity/Power Management Agency to improve electricity management and distribution.