The Benue State Government has signed a major green economy agreement with GreenPlinth Africa, marking one of the largest environmental investments in the state’s history.

The Memorandum of Agreement, signed on March 3, 2026, under the Strategic Partnership for Green Economy and Greening Initiatives, aims to promote environmental sustainability, climate action, and economic empowerment across Benue State.

Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia described the programme as a long-term strategy to combine environmental protection with socio-economic development.

The initiative will distribute two million improved clean cookstoves free to households, particularly targeting women, low-income earners, and vulnerable families. The stoves are expected to reduce traditional firewood use by 80–90 percent, significantly lowering indoor air pollution—a major cause of respiratory illnesses among women and children.

A tree-planting campaign is also planned, with 100 million economic trees to be planted across the state’s three senatorial districts. The initiative will combat deforestation, contribute to environmental restoration, and create economic opportunities through the cultivation of valuable tree crops.

Participants in the programme will benefit from skills acquisition, empowerment programmes, and monthly support of ₦10,000, alongside free enrollment in the National Health Insurance Scheme.

The project is also expected to boost the state’s internally generated revenue, with plans to establish a modern clean cookstove production factory and launch waste-to-wealth projects converting agricultural waste into marketable products.

Deputy Governor Sam Ode, speaking at the closing ceremony on March 5, said the agreement offers “immediate and long-term environmental and economic gains” and highlighted the state’s commitment to implementing the project.

Key officials involved in the signing include Dr. Aondofa Daniel Mailumo, Director General of the Benue State Council on Climate Change; Donald Aorkwagh Akule, MD of the Benue Agricultural Development Company; Barrister Thomas Ese, Solicitor General; and Terhemen Genera Ishom of the AliaVest Foundation.

Dr. Mailumo, who received the Green Icon Award on behalf of the governor, said the state is aligning with global, national, and sub-national climate policies, demonstrating a strong commitment to climate action initiatives benefiting both the environment and local communities.

Donald Akule emphasized agriculture as the “climate economic engine,” noting that climate-smart agricultural practices would play a crucial role in sustainable development. He confirmed that the implementation partner has already begun rolling out the project across the three senatorial zones.

With this partnership, Benue State is positioning itself as a leading Nigerian state in the transition toward a green economy, blending environmental sustainability with economic empowerment and improved living conditions for its citizens.