The Benue State Government is exploring a partnership with TLM Ltd to expand the adoption of renewable energy and clean transportation technologies as part of efforts to build a more sustainable and energy-efficient economy.
The proposed collaboration is expected to introduce renewable energy solutions alongside electric transportation and agricultural technologies across the state, with the government seeking to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources while improving access to cleaner and more efficient alternatives.
The proposal was presented at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi during a meeting with Deputy Governor Barrister Sam Ode, mni, who also chairs the Benue Investment Promotion Agency. The discussions brought together representatives of relevant state institutions and TLM Ltd to examine opportunities for deploying clean-energy technologies across Benue.
Representing Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Deputy Governor said the administration was committed to embracing innovative and sustainable technologies capable of supporting economic development and improving the livelihoods of residents.
Ode described the proposed partnership as timely, particularly as the state continues to explore practical ways of reducing energy and transportation costs. He said the adoption of renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies could strengthen economic activities while creating new employment and investment opportunities.
The proposed initiative will involve the Benue State Agricultural Development Company (BSADC), the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Benue Links, the Ministry of Transportation, Renewable Energy and Power, and TLM Ltd.
The Deputy Governor directed the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BSADC, Donald Aorkwagh Akule, to coordinate the initiative and engage the relevant ministries, agencies and private-sector stakeholders. He also called for a take-off meeting to develop an implementation framework and determine strategic areas for collaboration.
Ode said the planned deployment would require supporting infrastructure, including service centres, training facilities, relief stations and pilot schemes at strategic locations across the state. Such facilities would be important for the maintenance, technical support and long-term sustainability of renewable energy and electric mobility systems.
The state government also assured TLM Ltd of its readiness to facilitate the necessary engagements and provide institutional support towards the successful implementation of the proposed clean-energy initiative.
Speaking on the company’s capabilities, TLM Ltd Managing Director Leo Wei said the company has developed electric vehicles designed to provide cleaner and more efficient transportation. Some of the vehicles, he explained, can travel up to 500 miles on a full charge, offering an alternative to conventional petrol- and diesel-powered transport.
Wei said the company has different vehicle models, ranging from nine-passenger vehicles to buses capable of carrying up to 56 passengers, while specialised models could also be deployed for agricultural activities.
The company, according to Wei, would provide the vehicles as well as the technical training and servicing equipment required to support their deployment and maintenance.
The proposed use of electric vehicles represents an important renewable-energy-related component of the partnership, particularly if the charging infrastructure is powered increasingly by solar or other renewable sources. Such integration could help reduce emissions from transportation while lowering dependence on fossil fuels.
TLM also highlighted its experience in supporting agricultural mechanisation, with Wei disclosing that the company had supplied 400 tractors to Katsina State, together with training and capacity-building support. The company is seeking to bring similar technological expertise to Benue as part of the proposed partnership.
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