Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has received the prestigious Infrastructure Award at BusinessDay's inaugural States Competitiveness and Investment Readiness Awards. The honour was presented on June 18, 2026, at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja.
BusinessDay Media Limited, a leading business publication in Nigeria, selected Alia based on verified data from multiple sources. These included the National Bureau of Statistics, state budget performance records, and measurable citizen outcomes.
The award recognizes three years of strategic infrastructure investment across Benue State. According to the government, these projects have expanded connectivity and improved public service delivery.
A centrepiece of the recognition is the ₦149.5 billion infrastructure development programme launched by the administration. This initiative targets modernization of critical public infrastructure statewide.
Major road projects featured prominently in the assessment. The Wurukum–Air Force Base–Renewed Hope Estate Road in Makurdi is being reconstructed and dualized to improve traffic flow.
Rural connectivity has also received attention. The Mbawuar-Bako-Negher Road upgrade, including the spur to Mbaakon, strengthens agricultural movement and trade among communities.
A five-span bridge at Mu is another highlighted project. Completion of this structure will deepen economic integration across different areas.
Water access remains a priority for the administration. Communities in Otobi, Otukpo, Gwer East, and Katsina-Ala have benefited from major rehabilitation of water supply systems.
Within Makurdi metropolis alone, over 40 township roads have been completed. Statewide, the government is overseeing road projects spanning more than 500 kilometres.
Urban development initiatives have expanded beyond roads. The state government has undertaken flood control projects, renovated public facilities, and constructed strategic interchanges.
Officials said the award validates Governor Alia's commitment to purposeful leadership. They emphasized that infrastructure development goes beyond physical construction.
In their view, these projects create opportunities and stimulate economic activity. Investment attraction and improved citizen quality of life remain central objectives.
Benue State's growing reputation as an investment destination reflects these efforts. The government believes sustained infrastructure focus will continue driving progress.
