AfriPulse
August 04, (THEWILL) — Benue State Government has hosted a high-level delegation from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) featuring a presentation of the state’s feasibility report to access N267.2 billion from the Natural Resources Development Fund (NRDF).
Governor Hyacinth Alia, while addressing the delegation at Government House, Makurdi, on Monday, described the engagement as an opportunity to unlock a new chapter of progress for Benue State, emphasising that the funding request is not a handout, but a carefully structured proposal designed to drive job creation, increase internally generated revenue, and stimulate inclusive development.
“Benue is ready to lead in the non-oil economic space, with viable proposals in mining, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure”, Governor Alia said.
According to him, the 10-year Strategic Development Plan, built on seven pillars, provides the roadmap for that transformation, reiterating his administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and results, adding that the state is determined to build a future where young people, women, and rural communities benefit directly from economic growth.
The Chairman of RMAFC’s Fiscal Efficiency and Budget Committee, Amb Desmond Akawor, who led the delegation, praised Benue for its structured and ambitious proposals, explaining that the NRDF, created with 1.68% of national allocation, is intended to help states and local governments diversify away from oil revenue dependency.
He revealed that Benue’s request, submitted in May, is among the most comprehensive the Commission has received, noting that the visit aims to verify the state’s readiness and the viability of its proposed projects.
“The ‘Food Basket’ is more than a nickname; it is an economic identity backed by real assets. We are confident that Benue is ready for this leap”, he stated.
Benue Consultant representing AOD Enterprise Support Ltd, Mr Adewale Bodede, who presented the agricultural component of the proposal, stressed the importance of reactivating dormant farm estates across all 23 LGAs, beginning with Vandeikya.
He explained that the agricultural revival will create jobs, increase food production, and support value-added processing, adding that there are plans to establish a fruit processing factory that can handle mangoes, tomatoes, and citrus, all of which Benue is known for.
In the mining sector, the Managing Director of Benue Geo-mining Agency, Erdoo Mongu, spoke on the state’s mineral endowment and potential, describing Benue as vastly underexplored despite being rich in coal, limestone, and possibly oil.
She, therefore, called for funding to enable detailed exploration, reserve mapping, and the establishment of processing facilities to add value before export, arguing that with proper investment, Benue will become not just a food basket but a mineral powerhouse.
In the tourism sector, Mr John Adzer presented an integrated plan to make Makurdi a modern tourism hub, as he proposed revamping the Makurdi Zoo, introducing an amusement and cultural park, and establishing a world-class island resort on Makurdi Island.
He also emphasised cultural tourism as a valuable export, pointing to Tiv puppetry, traditional music, and dance as untapped treasures, adding that tourism can become one of Benue’s strongest economic engines with the appropriate investment.
In her remarks, Secretary to the Benue State Government, Deaconess Deborah Aber, called for collective dedication and expressed confidence in the vision being pursued and praised Governor Alia for his leadership qualities.
The RMAFC team is expected to conclude its on-the-ground assessments across the state before compiling a final recommendation to the President, who will give the ultimate approval for the release of the funds.
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Source: TheWillNigeria | Continue to Full Story…
