The Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, has expressed deep concern about the continued discharge of untreated effluent (liquid waste) into the River Benue in Makurdi by a privately owned ethanol plant.
NewsQuest reports that the major ethanol plant, which uses cassava as its raw material to produce ethanol for industrial, medicinal, and energy purposes, has been sealed twice—once in April 2023 and again in April 2024—due to similar complaints about non-compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Welcoming a team of investors from Engelie Ltd who arrived in the ‘Food Basket’ state to explore potential areas of interest in the marine and blue economy sector of the state, Iyaghigba said it was necessary to protect the future of the environment and the lives of millions of citizens.
“I must be honest with you, I am not comfortable with the liquid waste disposal arrangement in this facility.
“Our ministry is already in discussions with relevant regulatory agencies, environmental experts, and the plant operators need to ensure that a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution is found.
“We must protect our water resources, our communities, and the future of our environment while driving industrial growth,” commissioner Iyaghigba said.
A statement by the Head of Media, Publicity and Orientation to the commission Luben Gena said the investors’ visit marks a major step toward strengthening partnerships that could unlock significant economic opportunities for the state in the marine and blue economy sector.
The delegation, comprising experts in marine operations and environmental management noted that Benue State holds vast untapped marine and blue economy resources that could be harnessed for sustainable development.
The statement said, during the tour, the team visited the Pass Brother Sand and Boarding Bank, the Abinsi Crossing Point on the River Benue, and the ethanol plant situated along the Makurdi–Gboko road.
“Each stop presented opportunities for the delegation to assess the current infrastructure, evaluate investment possibilities, and consider areas for deployment of their expertise as well as ideas bothering on how the host communities will maximally benefit from their operations when work commences,” the statement added.
Commissioner Iyaghigba told the investors that their visit underscored the state government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for investment.
“On behalf of the Benue State Government and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, I warmly welcome you to our dear state. We appreciate your interest and the decision to assess firsthand the opportunities in our sector.
“Our sole aim is to comprehensively key into he development plan of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia and contribute greatly to the growth and development of our economy and wealth creation for the people.
“Benue is blessed with enormous natural and human resources, and we are determined to channel them into productive ventures that will generate jobs and wealth, enhance our economy, and promote environmental sustainability,” Iyaghigba added.
“At the Pass Brother Sand and Boarding Bank, the local operators in the space were briefed on the extensive sand deposit operations and the prospects for introducing more modern extraction and processing methods that would balance profitability with environmental preservation.
The delegation then proceeded to the Abinsi Crossing Point, a vital hub for riverine transportation,” the statement said.
Commissioner Iyaghigba had also highlighted the significance of the Crossing Point as a gateway for commercial activities between Benue and neighboring states as well as Cameron.
He explained that with the right investment in infrastructure and logistics, the Abinsi axis could be transformed into a modern inland port facility.
Responding, the delegation commended the state government for its proactive stance in opening up the marine and blue economy sector.
“We are genuinely impressed by the scale of resources and the level of commitment demonstrated by the Benue State Government. What we have seen today at the sand bank, the crossing point, and the ethanol plant are clear indicators that Benue can become a leading hub for marine and inland waterway investments in Nigeria.
“Our team will go back and build up modalities to partner with the state in areas of logistics, processing, and environmental management,” Dr. Lawal NDI added
Penshior Salla, a member of the delegation said he was keen on exploring opportunities in eco-friendly dredging, ethanol processing, water transportation, and renewable energy, stressing that such investments would align with global best practices and bring long-term benefits to local communities.
Experts have consistently described Benue State as a sleeping giant in the blue economy landscape. The River Benue, which traverses the state, holds enormous potential for inland waterway transportation, fisheries, tourism, and sand mining.
Hon. Iyaghigba, who is the pioneer Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy in Benue State, reiterated that the ministry under his watch would not only facilitate investments but also enforce compliance with environmental regulations.
“Our guiding principle is simple: development must go hand in hand with sustainability. We welcome investments that will create wealth and jobs, but we must also ensure that these ventures do not compromise the well-being of our people and our environment,” he emphasized.
According to the statement, the visiting investors are expected to submit their initial reports and investment modalities to the Benue State Government in the coming weeks.
