Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Benue State Government has launched a 90-megawatts waste-to-energy project aimed at converting municipal and industrial solid waste into electricity and industrial by-products, in what officials describe as a major boost to the state’s power and environmental infrastructure.
The facility, located at Atumba village in Guma Local Government Area, is being developed through a Public-Private Partnership between the state government and Sectorlead Limited.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia said the project would transform waste streams into electricity, alternative fuels, bio-fertilizer, methane-based products and recyclable materials.
“This facility will deliver long-term environmental, industrial and energy transformation for Benue State,” he stated. “We are turning a waste management challenge into a sustainable economic opportunity.”
According to the governor, the 90MW plant is projected to generate over 6,000 direct and indirect jobs, while introducing international technical expertise into the state’s infrastructure ecosystem.
“The project will improve energy reliability, reduce power deficits, stimulate investment in energy-dependent sectors and enhance public health outcomes,” Alia said. “It demonstrates clearly that Benue is open and ready for business.”
The additional generation capacity could significantly ease local electricity supply constraints and attract agro-processing and manufacturing investments, critical to Benue’s economic diversification strategy.
The governor represented by his deputy, Barr. Sam Ode, emphasized that the project directly supports his administration’s Public-Private Partnership framework, designed to accelerate infrastructure delivery without overburdening public finances.
He called on the host community and stakeholders across the state to support the initiative.
“We urge the people of Atumba and the entire sons and daughters of Benue to take ownership of this project. It belongs to you and represents our shared future,” he said.
SweetCrude Reports noted that the project places Benue among subnational governments exploring innovative energy solutions that combine environmental sustainability with power generation, positioning the state as a potential model for integrated waste management and clean energy development in Nigeria.
