The Benue State Government is taking steps to establish a Ministry of Natural Resources to unlock the state’s oil and gas deposits and solid mineral wealth, in a move projected to create over 2,000 jobs and boost economic development.
Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Angwa Egbe, who disclosed this, said the government had commenced consultations with experts and consultants to develop the framework for the proposed ministry.
Angwa said the initiative was part of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s economic diversification agenda aimed at identifying, harnessing, and developing Benue’s natural resources to generate revenue, attract investment, and create employment opportunities.
He spoke recently when the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, led by its chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, paid him a courtesy visit at the ministry’s headquarters in Makurdi.
The commissioner explained that the proposed ministry would provide a dedicated institutional framework for the exploration and management of the state’s natural resources, particularly oil and gas and solid minerals.
According to Mr. Angwa, the initiative could generate more than 2,000 jobs for professionals and other residents in areas such as natural resource exploration, environmental management, and scientific research.
He disclosed that consultations had been ongoing since his appointment about three months ago, adding that the establishment of the ministry would require the approval of Governor Alia and the necessary legislative action by the Benue State House of Assembly.
Mr. Angwa recalled that Governor Alia had given him the assignment during his inauguration, describing the proposed ministry as a strategic step towards expanding the state’s economic base through the development of its natural resource potential.
He expressed optimism that Benue could draw lessons from oil-producing states in the Niger Delta, where oil and gas resources contribute significantly to economic activities and employment.
He also highlighted the administration’s interventions in infrastructure development, civil servants’ welfare, and the revival of state-owned industries.
The commissioner, therefore, called for sustained cooperation between the government and the media, urging journalists to report government policies and projects accurately.
Earlier, NUJ chairman Ugber said the delegation visited the ministry to obtain first-hand information on the progress of the proposed ministry and other initiatives under the commissioner’s supervision.
He said the union was interested in keeping the public informed about government policies and programmes, particularly the implementation of the governor’s directive on natural resource development.
Comrade Ugber also proposed stronger collaboration between the NUJ and the ministry to ensure adequate public communication of its activities and invited the commissioner to participate in a proposed ministerial briefing being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Orientation.
