Alia seeks CBN support to develop Benue’s agric, mining sectors
Benue State Governor, Rev FrHyacinth Alia, has solicited the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in streamlining the state’s economy to foster economic growth, employment, and the development of vital infrastructure and technology.
Governor Alia made this appeal during a courtesy visit to the Governor of the CBN, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, in Abuja.
This was contained in a statement on Thursday by the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Publicity, and Communications Strategy, Ms Bridget Tikyaa.
He stated that Benue has vast opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, and other areas which the state wants the CBN to support in fully harnessing for local and international markets.
Governor Alia also urged the apex bank to provide its expertise in developing appropriate data in all key areas of development for proper planning and strategic engagement with investors.
He informed the CBN Governor about the state’s newly created Bureau of Statistics, aimed at enhancing the state’s statistical systems, boosting the economy through job creation and foreign exchange activities, and supporting the agricultural sector.
Governor Alia further said, “We seek your support in providing system strengthening and equipment infrastructure for the Benue State Bureau of Statistics. This support will not only benefit the Benue State Government but will also enhance the capabilities of the CBN and Nigeria at large. A well-supported statistical system ensures we have reliable data to guide our economic policies and development strategies.”
In his remarks, the Governor of the CBN, Mr Cardoso, commended Governor Alia for the visit and thanked him for the initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria will take necessary measures to bring the nation’s rising inflation under control. While monetary policy has been moderating aggregate demand, rising food and energy costs continue to exert upward pressure on price development,” he said.
