Alia resuscitates Benue Links with 100 buses, haulage trucks

Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has resuscitated the state-owned transport company, Benue Links, with the provision of 100 new buses and the expansion of its services into haulage and water transportation.

The State Commissioner for Power, Renewable Energy, and Transport, Mr Omale Omale, stated this while addressing newsmen in Makurdi on Alia’s achievements within two years in office.

He said the company was in a comatose when the Governor assumed office, with plans by the previous administration to sell it off.

“The governor halted the sale of the company and prioritised the revitalisation of the transport system.

“Benue Links was on the verge of collapse, but Governor Alia intervened by providing 100 new buses to support intra- and inter-state transportation,” Omale said.

According to him, the intervention led to transformation in the company’s operations including upgrades at its terminals, diversification into haulage and mini-bus services, and the acquisition of a permanent terminal in Abuja.

“We have also initiated discussions to establish another terminal in Jos, Plateau State,” he added.

Omale further disclosed that four cyber boats had been donated to the state and would be deployed for water transportation as soon as water levels permit.

The General Manager of Benue Links, Mr Alexander Fanafa, said the company had slashed its transport fares significantly to make travel more affordable.

“From Makurdi to Abuja, our AC buses charge N10,000 compared to N15,000 or N20,000 by others. Ordinary buses charge N8,000. From Makurdi to Lagos, we charge N22,000, while others collect up to N45,000,” he said.

Fanafa added that the state government had subsidised transportation for people living with disabilities by 50 percent.

“For instance, if a trip costs N10,000, they pay only N5,000 while the state government covers the balance,” he explained.

Also speaking, Mrs Priscilla Gbande, Head of ICT and Haulage Services at Benue Links, said the company had begun haulage operations in 2024 to enhance operational services of the company.

“We announce destinations in advance, collect and document customers’ goods, track them in transit, and notify customers upon delivery,” she said.

She noted that while occasional issues occur, the ICT unit ensures cargo safety and tracking throughout the journey.

Mr Jude Saka, a regular commuter, who shared his experiences, praised the transformation under the current administration.

“Benue Links now has more vehicles, cleaner terminals, and organised operations. The difference is clear,” he said.

Mrs Caroline Yagi, another commuter, commended the safety, affordability, and cleanliness of the service.

“I travel to Gboko three to four times a week, and the improvement is commendable. The environment is now clean, the services are reliable,” she added.

Our correspondent reports that the state government’s intervention in the transport sector forms part of a broader effort to boost infrastructure and social inclusion in the state.