Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, is taking major steps to address the housing deficit among civil servants, as his administration finalises arrangements for the construction of 500 new housing units in the state.
The Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Rev. Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, disclosed this on Sunday when members of the Kwande Journalists Forum (KJF) paid him a courtesy visit in Makurdi.
According to Ikyaan, the developer responsible for the housing project has already arrived in the state, and preparatory work has commenced to ensure the governor’s vision becomes a reality.
He explained that the initiative is part of Governor Alia’s broader urban development and land reform agenda, which also includes the revival of the Land Use Act Committee. The committee, he said, will help address long-standing land disputes and promote efficient land administration in the state.
In addition to the housing project, Dr. Ikyaan revealed that the government has allocated a vast area along the Makurdi–Gboko road for the establishment of an import and export processing zone. The ambitious project will host a tri-terminal airport — comprising cargo, domestic, and international facilities — aimed at boosting trade and facilitating the direct export of Benue’s agricultural produce to global markets.
“This administration is focused on implementing projects that will add value to Benue’s economic landscape and improve the welfare of our people,” Ikyaan stated.
He commended journalists for their contributions to societal development and described the visit by the Kwande Journalists Forum as an opportunity for collaboration.
Ikyaan urged media professionals to support the government’s initiatives through constructive reporting and open dialogue, emphasizing that partnership with the media remains crucial to the success of the administration’s development agenda.
