BusinessDay honours Governor Alia with National Infrastructure Award

The Benue State Government is pleased to announce that His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, has been honoured with the prestigious Infrastructure Award at the maiden edition of the BusinessDay States Competitiveness and Investment Readiness Awards, held yesterday, June 18, 2026, at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.

The award, presented by BusinessDay Media Limited, one of Nigeria’s foremost business and economic publications, is a significant national recognition of the remarkable infrastructure transformation taking place across Benue State under Governor Alia’s administration.

More than a ceremonial recognition, the award reflects an independent and data-driven assessment of developmental progress across the country.

According to BusinessDay, the selection process drew from verified data sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics, state budget performance reports, public works records, civil society feedback, and measurable impacts on the lives of citizens.

The recognition comes on the strength of the administration’s ambitious and strategic investment in infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, improved service delivery, and enhanced quality of life.

Governor Alia has, over the past three years, consistently prioritized projects aimed at expanding connectivity, improving public utilities, and creating an enabling environment for investment and development.

Among the key projects highlighted during the award presentation is the administration’s ₦149.5 billion infrastructure development programme designed to modernize critical public infrastructure across the state.

Also recognized was the ongoing reconstruction, dualisation and extension of the federal highway Wurukum – Air Force Base – Renewed Hope Estate Road in Makurdi, a project expected to significantly improve traffic flow and transportation efficiency within the state capital.

BusinessDay further acknowledged the upgrade of the Mbawuar-Bako-Negher Road, including the spur to Mbaakon, as well as the construction of the five-span bridge at Mu.

These projects are expected to strengthen rural connectivity, facilitate agricultural movement, boost trade, and deepen economic integration among communities.

The award also reflects the administration’s commitment to improving access to essential services.

Major rehabilitation works on water supply systems serving communities in Otobi, Otukpo, Gwer East, and Katsina-Ala have helped address long-standing challenges related to potable water supply and public health.

In addition, the government has completed more than over 40 township roads within Makurdi metropolis and is overseeing road projects spanning over 500 kilometres across the state.

Other infrastructure interventions cited include urban renewal initiatives, flood control projects, renovation of public facilities, upgrades to government infrastructure, and the construction of strategic interchanges aimed at improving mobility and urban development.

Speaking on the recognition, the Benue State Government described the award as a validation of Governor Alia’s commitment to purposeful leadership and sustainable development.

The administration believes that infrastructure is not merely about physical construction but about creating opportunities, stimulating economic activity, attracting investment, and improving the daily lives of citizens.

The government noted that Benue’s growing reputation as a destination for investment is closely linked to its ongoing infrastructure renewal efforts.

While the state has long been celebrated as Nigeria’s Food Basket, the present administration recognizes that agricultural potential must be supported by modern infrastructure capable of facilitating production, transportation, processing, storage, and market access.

This latest recognition adds to a growing list of national and international honours received by Governor Alia in acknowledgement of his contributions to governance, infrastructure development, humanitarian service, digital innovation, and socio-economic transformation.

These recognitions reflect the impact of policies and programmes designed to reposition Benue State for sustainable growth and prosperity.

The Benue State Government dedicates this award to the resilient and hardworking people of the state whose support and cooperation continue to inspire the administration’s development agenda.

It also serves as a renewed motivation to remain focused on delivering projects and policies that improve lives and expand opportunities for present and future generations.

As Benue State continues its journey of transformation, the administration remains committed to building a modern, competitive, and prosperous state anchored on transparency, innovation, accountability, and inclusive development.

Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr 

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Benue State.

BusinessDay honours Governor Alia with National Infrastructure Award