In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dr. Odatse-Peters said the new electricity law provides the framework needed to address the state's longstanding power deficit and unlock its vast agricultural and mineral resource potential.
According to him, Benue State possesses enormous economic advantages, including fertile agricultural land, abundant solid mineral deposits, and a growing population that can support industrial expansion. However, inadequate electricity supply has remained a major obstacle to economic growth and industrial development.
He noted that while Benue requires between 500 and 700 megawatts of electricity daily to adequately serve its population and businesses, the state currently receives only a fraction of that demand from the national grid.
Dr. Odatse-Peters argued that the new law, made possible by the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, will enable Benue State to attract investment into alternative energy sources such as solar mini-grids, small hydroelectric plants, biomass, and gas-powered generation.
He further stated that improved electricity supply would transform agriculture from subsistence farming to agribusiness through enhanced irrigation, mechanization, storage, and processing facilities. It would also stimulate manufacturing, mining, technology enterprises, healthcare, education, and security while creating employment opportunities for thousands of residents.
The energy expert expressed optimism that the legislation would support the state government's planned industrial clusters across the three senatorial districts and significantly expand the state's revenue base through increased economic activities.
While praising Governor Alia for the initiative, he urged the government to ensure the framework attracts investors, protects consumers, and addresses technical and commercial losses through modern systems such as smart metering.
Dr. Odatse-Peters concluded that Benue's industrial future depends largely on solving its energy challenges, stressing that electricity has the potential to transform the state in the same way oil transformed Rivers State and gas continues to drive development in Delta State.
"Electricity will industrialize Benue State," he stated.
