The Benue State Government has officially commenced work on a 90-megawatt waste-to-energy project aimed at converting municipal and industrial solid waste into electricity and other usable by-products.
The project, located at Atumba village in Guma Local Government Area, is positioned as a long-term intervention in both waste management and power generation within the state. Designed as a technology-driven facility, it will process solid waste streams into electricity, alternative fuels, bio-fertiliser, methane-based products and recyclable materials.
Structured as a Public-Private Partnership between the state government and Sectorlead Limited, the initiative aligns with the investment-driven development strategy of Governor ’s administration.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Alia described the project as a strategic response to Benue’s environmental and energy challenges. He stated that beyond improving waste disposal systems, the facility is expected to strengthen energy reliability, reduce power deficits and support industrial growth across the state.
The governor further disclosed that the project is projected to create over 6,000 employment opportunities across technical, administrative and support services, while also attracting international expertise into the state’s infrastructure landscape.
According to him, the initiative will stimulate investment in energy-dependent sectors, improve public health outcomes through structured waste processing, and position Benue as a competitive destination for business and innovation.
Governor Alia was represented at the ceremony by his deputy, Sam Ode , who reiterated the administration’s call for community ownership and collective support for the project.
The waste-to-energy plant marks one of the state’s most ambitious infrastructure undertakings in recent years, signalling a shift towards integrated environmental management and diversified power generation in Benue State.
