“For the Benue of our dreams.” Those were some of the first words Mr. Nick Agule shared after stepping into his role as Team Lead of the Benue State Economic and Policy Advisory Council. This phrase not only reflects his motivation for taking on this responsibility but also resonates deeply with Governor Fr. Hyacinth Alia’s vision for the state.
Governor Alia has consistently emphasized the importance of building “the Benue of our dreams,” especially when calling for unity among different political factions. This vision is also evident in the administration’s development strategy, where economic transformation is a key focus under the umbrella of Political and Economic Governance.
The governor’s goal is straightforward: to foster an environment that attracts investment, creates jobs, broadens business opportunities, and enhances the economic wellbeing of the people. When inaugurating the council, he tasked the team led by Nick Agule with delivering objective, evidence-based advice, fresh ideas, and practical solutions that can tap into Benue State’s vast economic potential.
So, what exactly is Nick Agule bringing to the table?
Agule steps into this role with a wealth of professional experience. As a chartered accountant, he serves as the Group Head of Victoria Bus Company Ltd (VBCL), the Managing Partner of Dominus Consulting, and the Chairman of the Governing Board of The Word In Action Foundation. With over 15 years of experience in finance, public policy, energy, and development work, he brings a rich background that spans both the private and public policy sectors.
His career has been all about connecting technical know-how with real-world policy action, especially when it comes to sustainable development and making a social impact. These are exactly the kinds of skills that could really benefit a state looking to move beyond just subsistence farming and diversify its economy.
Benue is one of Nigeria’s most resource-rich yet underdeveloped states. Even with its agricultural strengths and a population exceeding six million, a lot of its economic potential is still waiting to be tapped. Most people rely on subsistence farming, while others find work in civil service, the organized private sector, or the informal economy.
Like many other states in Nigeria, Benue faces challenges such as insecurity, unemployment, poor housing, limited access to quality healthcare, and widespread poverty. These issues have hindered economic growth and made private investment less appealing. That’s why the Economic and Policy Advisory Council has been formed—to guide the government on policies that can spark sustainable growth, draw in investors, create jobs, and enhance public service delivery.
When he accepted the appointment, Agule recognized the weight of the responsibility and the opportunities that lie ahead for the state.
He promised that the council would work hand in hand with the government, the private sector, development partners, and local communities to foster sustainable economic growth, attract investment, create jobs, and uplift the quality of life for every citizen in Benue.
While he acknowledged that the road ahead would be challenging, he firmly believes that Benue is brimming with untapped opportunities that could change the state’s trajectory. Most importantly, he vowed that he and his team would approach their work with integrity, professionalism, independent thinking, and a steadfast commitment to serving the public interest.
That commitment is truly noteworthy. One of the ongoing critiques of public administration in Nigeria is that many officials often prioritize their personal interests over the common good. Technocrats stepping into government roles frequently face accusations of straying from the very principles that earned them respect in the private sector. By openly committing to integrity, professionalism, and independence, Agule has established a benchmark against which both his performance and that of the council will be evaluated.
He also highlights another key advantage: the wealth of experience within the advisory council.
According to him, the team brings together nearly 500 years of professional expertise spanning nearly every sector of the economy, all acquired through distinguished service at the highest echelons of both public and private sectors. If this vast pool of knowledge is effectively utilized, it could offer the strategic insights needed to enhance government policy.
Kamo Sende, a legal practitioner and doctoral researcher at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, believes these appointments send a positive message.
He argues that Fr. Alia has gathered a group of accomplished professionals who have the potential to deliver meaningful results, provided they receive the independence and support necessary to thrive. His optimism reflects a wider public hope that the council’s members, many of whom have made their mark outside of government, can introduce innovative ideas into public administration.
In the end, expectations are soaring. Simply appointing skilled professionals won’t magically transform Benue’s economy. Success hinges on whether their recommendations are practical, if the government acts on them, and whether we see tangible improvements in investment, employment, and the everyday lives of citizens.
For now, Nick Agule has reached out to the people of Benue, inviting them to join in this journey. As he puts it, the aim is to create “a more prosperous, competitive, and inclusive Benue State.”
It will take some time to see if the council can turn that vision into a reality, and we’ll have a clearer picture in the coming months and years. For now, the commitments made today will serve as the standard against which both the council and the administration are assessed.
