As Benue State celebrates its 49th anniversary, Governor Hyacinth Alia has emphasized his commitment to driving the state to unprecedented levels of economic prosperity and infrastructural development.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula, and made available to newsmen on Monday in Makurdi, Alia outlined the significant reforms his administration has set in motion since he assumed office.

“Less than two years into our administration, we have achieved remarkable breakthroughs, unprecedented in the history of the state,” said Alia.

The governor highlighted key achievements, including the rollout of programs aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and agribusiness to ensure food security and improve livelihoods. “We have rehabilitated roads, opened new ones, constructed and fixed public facilities to make Benue more accessible, enhancing economic growth,” he stated.

Alia also underscored the administration’s focus on healthcare, pledging to advance healthcare facilities to ensure quality and accessible services for all citizens. “Our resolve is to take the state where every citizen experiences prosperity, security, and opportunity,” he added.

The governor stressed that achieving these goals requires the collective efforts of all Benue citizens. “This target cannot be achieved alone. It calls for the collaborative determination of all stakeholders, community leaders, traditional rulers, business owners, and our energetic youth. Together, the administration can build a future that mirrors our joint desires,” Alia urged.

As the state marks its 49th anniversary, the governor called on the people to remain steadfast in their commitment to promoting Benue’s growth. “I extend a hand of fellowship to all stakeholders to join hands with us in this noble endeavour,” he concluded.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a historic milestone, collecting a record ₦6.1 trillion in revenue in 2024, surpassing its ₦5.1 trillion target by ₦1.03 trillion. This represents a 20.2% increase above the target and an impressive 90.4% rise from the ₦3.2 trillion collected in 2023.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on January 14, 2025, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, attributed the remarkable performance to strategic reforms, enhanced operational efficiency, and strong alignment with government policy objectives. “This growth is historic as it marks the highest year-on-year increase recorded by the Service in recent times,” he noted.

The record-breaking revenue is segmented into ₦3.66 trillion for the Federation Account, ₦816.9 billion for Non-Federation Account Levies, and ₦1.63 trillion in Value Added Tax (VAT) on imports.

Adeniyi highlighted the Service’s effort to balance revenue collection with trade facilitation, granting concessions worth ₦1.68 trillion to stimulate industrial growth while tightening controls to prevent abuses.

The Service also achieved remarkable progress in trade facilitation, recording a 179.3% increase in total trade value to ₦196.94 trillion in 2024, compared to ₦70.5 trillion in 2023. This growth was driven by a surge in the export trade, which saw a 219.5% increase in value to ₦136.65 trillion.

Significant advancements were made in customs operations, including the introduction of the Advanced Ruling System and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme. The latter has reduced cargo clearance times to an average of 43 hours for AEO-certified companies. Additionally, the indigenously developed digital clearance platform, “B’Odogwu,” generated ₦31 billion in revenue during its pilot phase.

In 2024, the NCS received international acclaim, advancing 33 places in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) rankings and being recognised among the top five agencies for trade facilitation. Strategic partnerships, such as with the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, have streamlined the clearance of medical supplies, aligning with the federal government’s health accessibility goals.

The Service’s trade facilitation efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) have also bolstered the participation of Nigerian exporters in global markets, with notable representation at the Biashara Afrika forum in Kigali.

Adeniyi attributed these achievements to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the dedication of NCS officers. He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to leveraging technology, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and enhancing operational efficiency to sustain growth.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday assured the international community that Nigeria is ready to collaborate with other nations to foster a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

Speaking on the topic, “From Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity: Bridging Africa with the Global Energy Future”, during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, Tinubu emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing global environmental challenges.

“No single nation can walk the road to sustainability alone,” the President said. “The fight against climate change is not merely an environmental necessity but a global economic opportunity to reshape the trajectory of our continent and the global energy landscape. To succeed, we must innovate, collaborate, and act decisively as one global community.”

According to a statement by his spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions through actionable programmes aligned with global expectations.

“We have embraced a vision of sustainability that aligns with global aspirations while addressing local realities,” he said. “Our efforts are anchored on three pillars: Energy Transition, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Development. My administration recognises the importance of reducing carbon emissions and a just transition to clean and renewable energy, promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth.”

Highlighting specific initiatives, the President disclosed that Nigeria is advancing the use of Compressed Natural Gas and electric vehicles, harnessing solid minerals for green energy transitions, and implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to boost food security and mitigate environmental impact.

“Our government has introduced the National Clean Cooking Policy to promote clean energy, environmental and health benefits, and socio-economic development across Africa,” Tinubu noted.

He also stressed the importance of addressing Nigeria’s environmental challenges, including deforestation, desertification, coastal erosion, flooding, and pollution, which threaten the livelihoods of millions. Tinubu called for international collaboration to mobilize resources, embrace technology, and drive innovation to tackle these issues.

“To promote a Green Economy in Africa, we must focus on integrating sustainable practices in all sectors of our economy,” he said. “These investments are capital-intensive and require international support from partner countries, multinational organisations, and development partners.”

Tinubu proudly highlighted Nigeria’s leadership as the first African nation to fund green projects through Sovereign Green Bonds, with the third issuance underway.

“We urge investors to partner with us in this regard. Our administration remains committed to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria,” he said.

The President concluded by emphasizing Nigeria’s potential in advanced agricultural technologies and Artificial Intelligence, reiterating his commitment to a sustainable future built on innovation and collaboration.