Benue Governor Alia Seeks CBN Support to Revitalize Agriculture and Mining Sectors
Governor Hyacinth Alia has approached the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to seek assistance in revitalizing Benue State’s economy through a focus on agriculture and mining. The appeal was made during a courtesy visit to CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso in Abuja, as detailed in a statement from Alia’s media aide, Bridget Tikyaa.
Governor Alia highlighted Benue’s significant potential in agriculture and solid minerals and requested the CBN’s support in harnessing these opportunities for both local and international markets. He emphasized the need for accurate data generation to guide strategic planning and investor engagement.
To strengthen Benue’s economic framework, Alia proposed the establishment of a statistics bureau to enhance data collection and support economic development through job creation and foreign exchange activities. Additionally, he requested the CBN’s support in implementing favorable monetary policies to stabilize the economy and control inflation.
The governor also sought training and capacity-building programs for state financial managers and policymakers to improve economic management. He urged the CBN to facilitate partnerships with development finance institutions for funding large-scale projects, including agricultural mechanization, industrial parks, and infrastructural development.
In response, CBN Governor Cardoso praised Alia’s initiatives and expressed readiness to collaborate with the Benue government. He assured that the CBN would provide support through various interventions, including fertilizer donations and measures to address food supply deficits, such as the 150-day duty-free import window for essential food commodities.
Cardoso committed to working closely with the Benue government to enhance the state’s economic prospects and achieve its developmental goals.
