Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia
By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has revealed that the state has untapped potential for accelerated economic growth.
The governor spoke on Monday in Makurdi while receiving members of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru Jos, Senior Executive Course 47, 2025, Study Group 4, on a local study tour.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, the Governor emphasized that Benue State was blessed with River Benue, River Katsina-Ala, and other inland water bodies and untapped potential in areas such as inland fishing, aquaculture, irrigation agriculture, water-based tourism, river transport, and biodiversity conservation.
The governor, however, acknowledged existing challenges, including: flooding, erosion, poor infrastructure, inadequate investment, weak regulation, and the growing impact of climate change, which continue to hinder full exploitation of the state’s blue economy potential.
Alia noted with enthusiasm that the state government had already taken proactive steps by establishing a Ministry of Blue Economy, pending the appointment of substantive leadership for the new ministry.
According to him, consultations were ongoing with development partners and private investors to unlock opportunities along River Benue for navigation, trade, and sustainable development.
The governor pointed out that “We believe the blue economy is not a distant idea, but a practical strategy for reducing poverty, creating jobs, improving food security, and building climate resilience, even in inland states.”
He called on the NIPSS team to deeply engage with local stakeholders, from farmers and fishers to policy makers and entrepreneurs, and consider Benue as a potential model for inland blue economy transformation.
Governor Alia described the visit as both a significant honor and a timely opportunity to advance national development through policy engagement and research and appreciated the leadership of NIPSS for their consistent efforts in shaping Nigeria’s policy landscape and equipping senior leaders across sectors through high-level training and strategic thinking.
The governor, who commended the choice of this year’s study theme, “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities,” noted its relevance in today’s global development agenda.
He said “the concept of the blue economy, the sustainable use of ocean and water resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem health, is gaining traction in Nigeria.
“While often associated with coastal regions, it is equally crucial for inland states like Benue, given our rich network of rivers and wetlands.”
Responding, the Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, appreciated the State Governor for the reception accorded his team and reiterated the institute’s mandate to generate policy ideas that support a better Nigerian society.
Prof. Omotayo disclosed the objectives of the Senior Executive Course Programme, now in its 47th year, emphasizing its role in building capacity across sectors.
He clarified what the participants, referred to as such due to their existing leadership experience, are tasked by the Federal Government to research priority areas each year, with the blue economy selected as the 2025 theme.
“If Nigeria is to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2027 as envisioned by Mr. President, every sector must contribute, and the blue economy has been identified as a key growth area.”
The DG emphasized that although Benue is not a coastal state, its strategic location along the River Benue makes it an ideal subject for the study and assured that the study would be thorough, data-driven, and geared toward enhancing the state’s current efforts while also informing federal policy.
“We’re not here to critique or diminish, but to observe, engage, and support your work with useful recommendations and that the final report will be shared with the state and presented to the President.”
