The Benue State Government, on Monday received members of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Jos, Senior Executive Course 47, 2025, Study Group 4, on a local study tour of the state.
The delegation, led by NIPSS Director-General Prof. Ayo Omotayo, was warmly welcomed at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode
Dr. Ode extended the state’s warm regards, describing the visit as a significant honor and a timely opportunity to advance national development through policy engagement and research.
He commended NIPSS for shaping Nigeria’s policy landscape and equipping senior leaders through high-level training and strategic thinking. The Deputy Governor noted the relevance of the study theme, “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities,” highlighting its global significance.
“We believe the blue economy is not a distant idea, but a practical strategy for reducing poverty, creating jobs, improving food security, and building climate resilience, even in inland states,” he said
“The concept of the blue economy, the sustainable use of ocean and water resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem health, is gaining traction in Nigeria. While often associated with coastal regions, it is equally crucial for inland states like Benue”, he added
Dr. Ode emphasized Benue State’s potential in the blue economy, citing its rich network of rivers and wetlands, including River Benue and River Katsina-Ala. He disclosed that the state government had established a Ministry of Blue Economy and was engaging development partners and private investors to unlock opportunities along River Benue.
The Deputy Governor urged the NIPSS team to engage with local stakeholders and consider Benue as a potential model for inland blue economy transformation.
Prof. Omotayo appreciated the warm reception and reiterated NIPSS’s mandate to generate policy ideas supporting a better Nigerian society. He explained the Senior Executive Course Program’s objectives and emphasized the blue economy’s role in Nigeria’s economic growth. He assured that the study would be thorough, data-driven, and geared toward enhancing the state’s efforts while informing federal policy.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transportation, Barr. Omale Omale, who also serves as the covering Commissioner for the Benue State Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, stated that the ministry is aligning with the Federal Government’s initiative to tap into the vast potential of the marine sector.
The engagement featured presentations and deliberations on key opportunities and challenges surrounding the blue economy in Benue State, with participation from state officials and stakeholders. The NIPSS delegation aims to provide useful recommendations to support Benue State’s development and inform federal policy.
