Benue State Governor Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has inaugurated a 14-member Steering Committee on Coal Bed Methane and Allied Resources, with a mandate to develop the state’s untapped natural gas reserves to boost electricity generation, industrial development, and employment.
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At Wednesday’s ceremony held at the Government House in Makurdi, Governor Alia characterised the coal bed methane project as a “low-hanging fruit” that could provide sustainable economic transformation for the state while addressing chronic power supply challenges.
“If we are not harnessing what we have for the betterment of our people, then we would have too many explanations to give,” Alia stated, stating that the initiative would attract investors and create jobs while improving electricity supply across the state.
The governor also addressed concerns about illegal mining activities, which he said were costing the state revenue and creating security challenges in affected communities. He expressed optimism that formalising coal-bed methane exploitation would curb these practices and restore investor confidence.
Committee Outlines Ambitious Development Plans
Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella, who chairs the newly formed committee, outlined the far-reaching potential of coal-bed methane beyond energy production. He described CBM as a catalyst for multiple sectors, including industrialisation, manufacturing, and agriculture.
“Coal Bed Methane will stimulate multiple sectors at once – energy, agriculture, transport, and services – making it one of the strongest levers for structural transformation in Benue State,” Ella told the gathering.
The committee chairman detailed plans for modular gas-to-power plants with capacities of 20 to 30 megawatts that could power agro-processing facilities, industrial clusters, and healthcare centres. He also highlighted opportunities in transportation through compressed natural gas stations and manufacturing support for ceramics, textiles, breweries, and food processing industries.
Infrastructure and Investment Focus
Ella stressed the importance of conducting baseline studies, including gas quality testing and environmental assessments, to produce credible reports that would attract serious investors to the project.
He also requested that the governor facilitate regular flights between Makurdi and major commercial centres like Lagos and Abuja as an interim measure while the state’s proposed cargo and passenger airport project develops.
Governor Alia linked the coal bed methane initiative to his administration’s broader infrastructure agenda, including the planned Makurdi airport aimed at boosting trade, tourism, and agricultural exports.
Committee Composition
The steering committee includes experts from various fields:
- Amb. Nicholas Agbo Ella (Chairman)
- Deaconess Serumun D. Aber
- Dr. Emmanuel Chenge
- Prof. Mohammed Ibrahim
- Hon. Alex Addingi
- Mr. Michael Oglegba
- Dr. Haruna Achile Madisca
- Mr. Eric Hanqin Liu
- Dr. Monica Eimujeze
- Amb. Jennifer Igoh
- Dr. Johnpaul Kpenkaan
- Dr. Daniel Mailumo
- Engr. Jonathan Ashie
- Dr. Erdoo Mongol-Aga (Secretary)
The committee has been tasked with developing a comprehensive strategy to unlock the economic potential of Benue’s natural gas resources while ensuring environmental sustainability and community benefits.
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