By Oluchukwu Agha Amadi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has met with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, to discuss new ways of financing development and strengthening collaboration in the state.
The meeting, held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the United Nations House in Abuja, focused on innovative financing, institutional capacity building, resource mobilisation, Durable Solutions, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and strengthening UNDP’s presence in Benue.
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Gov. Alia Seeks New Financing Options
Governor Alia said Benue needs to look beyond traditional government funding and explore innovative and blended financing options to address major development needs across the state.
The discussions centred on how UNDP could provide technical support to strengthen government institutions, prepare projects that can attract investment, and connect priority programmes with development finance institutions, private investors and international funding opportunities.
The governor also called for stronger technical cooperation in areas such as institutional reforms, data management, project preparation and implementation.Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia And UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah
Strengthening UNDP’s Presence In Benue
A major part of the discussion was the need to strengthen UNDP’s operational presence in Benue.
The move is expected to bring the UNDP closer to the state government and development partners while improving coordination of programmes in areas such as governance, peacebuilding, livelihoods, resilience, sustainable energy, innovation and community development.
Both sides also discussed how the Benue State Action Plan for Durable Solutions could be aligned with the SDGs and the state’s broader development plans.
Focus on Displaced Persons and Communities
Governor Alia said efforts to support internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and host communities should focus on long term recovery rather than temporary relief alone.
He identified areas such as housing, agriculture, education, healthcare, water and sanitation, energy, livelihoods, peacebuilding and economic recovery as key areas requiring sustained intervention.
The meeting also reviewed the recent visit of United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, to Benue, with discussions centred on turning such high level engagements into practical partnerships that can improve lives and strengthen communities.
Youth, Innovation and Green Financing
Other areas discussed included the UniPod initiative, Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, sustainable energy, UN Volunteers, youth innovation, digital transformation, climate and green financing, agricultural value chains, peacebuilding, early warning systems and increased private sector participation.
Governor Alia said his administration wants to move the relationship with UNDP beyond individual projects and establish a broader development partnership.
Under the proposed approach, government priorities would be brought together with UN expertise, development partners, private investment and innovative financing to support development across Benue.
UNDP Reaffirms Commitment
Responding, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, welcomed Governor Alia’s commitment to deepening the partnership between the organisation and Benue State.
She said UNDP would continue to support the state in turning its development priorities into programmes capable of attracting investment, mobilising innovative financing and creating partnerships that deliver practical results.
Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah said, “UNDP remains committed to working with the Benue State Government to translate its development priorities into investible and impactful programmes, mobilize innovative financing, and build partnerships that deliver tangible results for the people of Benue State.”
Governor Alia was accompanied by the Director-General of the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), Dr. Aondoaseer Viashima; Director-General of the Benue State SDGs Office, Chief John Akuse; Executive Secretary of the Benue State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Kpenkaan Terhemen Johnpaul; and Adviser on Benue Liaison, Fati Ebikabowei.
The UNDP Resident Representative was accompanied by senior members of the UNDP Nigeria leadership team representing the key areas discussed during the meeting.
The engagement highlighted the Benue State Government’s efforts to attract more strategic partnerships, technical expertise, private investment and alternative financing to support inclusive growth, strengthen institutions and build resilient communities across the state.
Donald Kumun is the Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Print Media and writes from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.
