The United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peace building, humanitarian response, and sustainable development efforts in Benue State, North Central Nigeria.
UN Deputy Secretary General, Dr. Amina Mohammed gave the assurance during her visit to Benue state, which she described as critical to Nigeria’s food security, economic vitality, and social stability.
She commended the resilience of the people and thanked the state government for the opportunity to witness its development priorities firsthand.
The UN envoy expressed deep condolences to families affected by the recent attacks in parts of the state, including Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area and Yelewata, noting that the international community stands in solidarity with victims and displaced persons.
She observed that the visit comes at a time of global uncertainty, marked by conflicts, climate shocks, economic challenges, and rising displacement, which continue to place pressure on communities worldwide.
According to her, such global developments are increasingly shaping local realities in Nigeria and Benue State in particular.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Mohammed acknowledged the efforts of the Benue State Government in driving development and improving livelihoods.
She noted that the state’s 2026 budget, which focuses on rural development, livelihood support, and sustained growth, reflects a strong commitment to inclusive progress.
She also highlighted innovations in governance, including the introduction of Nigeria’s first fully digital e-parliament system, describing it as a step towards enhanced transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery.
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The Deputy Secretary-General emphasized Benue’s vast agricultural potential, noting that as Nigeria’s “food basket,” the state has a key role not only in feeding the nation but also in creating jobs and boosting economic prosperity.
She praised ongoing efforts to provide durable solutions for displaced persons, including access to farmland and opportunities for self-reliance.
On insecurity, Dr. Mohammed stressed that while security responses are necessary, lasting peace requires grassroots-driven peacebuilding initiatives.
She called for strengthened early warning systems, community dialogue, reconciliation efforts, and accountability to address the root causes of conflict.
She also cautioned against oversimplified narratives around complex crises, warning that such approaches could deepen divisions and undermine peace efforts, urging responsible leadership, inclusive dialogue, and social cohesion.
Speaking on education, the UN official underscored the importance of investing in human capital, particularly children and young people.
She commended the state’s BRACE-UP initiative aimed at enrolling out-of-school children, stressing that access to education is essential for long-term peace and development, especially in conflict-affected communities.
Dr. Mohammed further identified climate change as a major challenge confronting the state, noting that flooding and dry spells continue to threaten agriculture, livelihoods, and stability.
She called for increased investment in climate-resilient agriculture, improved infrastructure, and disaster risk reduction measures.
She noted that the United Nations is already supporting early warning systems and risk-informed planning, and expressed readiness to scale up interventions to reach vulnerable communities before crises escalate.
The UN Deputy Secretary-General emphasised the need for coordinated, state-led strategies that integrate peacebuilding, humanitarian response, development, and climate resilience.
She reaffirmed that the United Nations will continue to stand in solidarity with Benue State, working closely with stakeholders to promote durable solutions, strengthen social cohesion, and build a more peaceful and resilient future for all.
Benue’s Potential as an Investment Hub
On his part, Governor Hyacinth Alia called on the United Nations to support the dredging and sustainable management of the River Benue as part of broader efforts to boost climate resilience, agricultural productivity, and economic growth in the state.
The governor noted that Benue occupies a strategic position at the intersection of global priorities such as food systems stability, climate resilience, and human development.
Governor Alia, however, highlighted the pressing challenges confronting the state, including farmer-herder conflicts, climate-related threats, and the burden of over 500,000 internally displaced persons across various communities.
He said these realities underscore the need for strong collaboration with international partners like the United Nations.
Since assuming office in 2023, the governor explained that his administration has pursued comprehensive reforms aimed at rebuilding institutions, restoring livelihoods, and unlocking economic potential across key sectors.
In education, he said the government has rehabilitated more than 375 public schools, recruited 9,700 teachers, introduced free education policies, and established new technical Colleges and higher institutions tailored to economic demands.
On infrastructure, he said the administration has completed and upgraded critical road networks linking rural and urban economies, while also investing in transport systems to enhance agricultural productivity and improve access to markets.
The governor added that significant strides have been made in the health sector, including the rehabilitation of 104 rural health centres, revitalization of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, expansion of maternal and child healthcare services, and improved incentives for health workers.
Addressing humanitarian concerns, Alia said his government has provided sustained support to displaced persons through shelter development, infrastructure provision, and a Durable Solutions Action Plan aimed at resettling affected populations.
He noted that following the Yelewata crisis, the state, in collaboration with partners, has delivered housing, water systems, education access, and livelihood support.
In a bid to empower young people, the governor disclosed that over 10,000 youths have been trained in digital skills, with plans underway to generate more than 50,000 jobs through ICT-driven initiatives and innovation ecosystems.
He emphasized that agriculture remains central to Benue’s economy, with ongoing reforms focused on reducing input costs, improving access to quality seeds, revitalizing mechanization through agencies, and promoting a statewide “Back-to-Farm” campaign to transition from subsistence to commercial farming.
Global Partnerships
Governor Alia further noted that the state has strengthened its institutional framework for global partnerships, aligning with international programmes and meeting counterpart funding obligations to development partners.
He outlined key areas where the state seeks deeper collaboration with the United Nations, including climate resilience, agro-industrial development, human capital development, community security, and sustainable financing.
Central to his request was the need for UN support in restoring and managing the River Benue through dredging, flood control measures, and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices.
The governor stressed that Benue is ready to lead and partner on transformative initiatives, urging the United Nations to move beyond short-term interventions to long-term integrated solutions that will drive sustainable development.
“We seek not charity, but collaboration; not isolated projects, but systems that deliver lasting impact,” he said, adding that joint efforts can transform vulnerability into resilience and unlock prosperity for the people of Benue and beyond.
