The Benue Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Frederick Ikyaan, says the state government acquired vast land to establish an export and import processing zone.
Mr Ikyaan disclosed this on Thursday in Makurdi when he received the Kwande Journalists Forum (KJF) on a courtesy visit.
The commissioner said that Governor Hyacinth Alia was desirous of executing projects that would add value to the state economy.
“Therefore, the government has earmarked a vast portion of land along Makurdi-Gboko Road for the establishment of an import and export processing zone.
“The zone is to have an airport with three terminals, namely cargo, domestic, and international wings, where agricultural products in the state can be exported directly to international markets,” he said.
Mr Ikyaan also disclosed that there was more hope for the state civil servants, as Mr Alia had concluded plans to build 500 units of houses to address their housing needs.
He stated that already, the estate developer engaged for the service had arrived in the state, and significant steps were being taken towards the realisation of the initiative.
The commissioner further said the Alia administration was sincerely and genuinely committed to finding lasting solutions to issues of land.
According to him, the governor plans to revive the Land Use Act Committee that would help in resolving land disputes.
The commissioner explained that the committee would be mandated to look at issues critically and proffer sustainable solutions that could add greater value to the state.
He said the appointment of Akaha Sule, a Kwande son, as his media aide was in line with his belief in the oneness in Christ, which both of them shared.
Mr Ikyaan appealed to journalists as watchdogs of society to give their colleague and the entire administration of Alia the needed support to succeed.
He commended them for their willingness to partner with the ministry for the betterment of society.
Earlier, the forum’s chairman, Henry Ibya, congratulated the commissioner on his reappointment to the state cabinet.
(NAN)