Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has inaugurated a 5,000 cubic-metre-per-day water treatment plant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area.
Representing his deputy, Dr. Sam Odeh, Alia said the water project—provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other partners—aligns with the state government’s priorities.
The governor assured that the state government would collaborate with Gwer West LGA Chairman, Mr. Victor Ormin, to ensure proper reticulation of the water across Naka. He noted that reticulation would eliminate the need for residents to cluster in one location to access the facility.
Alia further called for the excavation of the dam to a deeper level to increase its capacity and accommodate more water for the growing population.
The governor disclosed that the Benue State Government has shown strong interest in expanding the project and invited development partners to contribute toward increasing its capacity.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, said in his remarks that the treatment plant represents more than physical infrastructure. He described it as a restoration of dignity, protection against waterborne diseases, and a reinforcement of community resilience.
The minister further noted that the lack of clean water supply increases the risk of disease outbreaks and deepens hardship, especially for women and children who bear the burden of water collection.
“When communities have access to clean water, they are healthier and more productive, and when they are productive, dependency reduces and recovery accelerates,” Doro said.
The minister commended the European Union and other partners for their support in mitigating humanitarian challenges, reiterating that access to clean water would improve health outcomes, boost productivity, and accelerate recovery in affected communities.
The Head of the IOM Sub-Office in Makurdi, Mrs. Mediatrice Berangayabo, said an environmental assessment of the Naka camp revealed urgent water needs among IDPs, who had been living in makeshift mosquito net tents while awaiting durable solutions.
Berangayabo explained that the intervention was designed not only for displaced persons but also for host communities in Gwer West to foster social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
The IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Ms. Sharon Dimanche, expressed satisfaction that the organization had fulfilled its promise to provide clean water for both IDPs and host communities.
Dimanche noted that the project was made possible through collaboration with partners and the Benue Government.
