Alia’s Administration Revived Benue Links, Expanded Operations Across Nigeria – GM Fanafa

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The General Manager of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Mr. Alexander Fanafa, has said that the state-owned transport company has witnessed significant growth and transformation under the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia in the last three years.

Fanafa who spoke with newsmen as part of activities marking Governor Alia’s third anniversary in office, highlighted major achievements recorded by the company since 2023.

According to him, one of the early interventions by the Governor was the donation of three trucks, which enabled Benue Links to commence operations as a national carrier.

He said the company subsequently secured all necessary registrations and obtained certification to operate nationwide, expanding its reach beyond the state.

Fanafa noted that the company, which previously operated with only one permanent park, has acquired additional permanent parks through the support of Governor Alia, saying Benue Links now has operational parks in Abuja, Zaki-Biam and others places, while efforts are underway to establish more parks in other strategic locations.

The General Manager disclosed that beyond the 100 buses provided by the state government, the company has procured about 30 additional vehicles, including buses, taxis and utility vans, to ensure sustainability, adding that another coaster bus had already been purchased and was on its way from Lagos to further strengthen the fleet.

He explained that Governor Alia directed the company to reduce transport fares following the removal of fuel subsidy in order to cushion the economic hardship faced by commuters. According to him, the intervention was aimed at making transportation affordable and ensuring that Benue Links remained a viable alternative for residents across the state.

Fanafa said the administration also refurbished three Marcopolo buses and deployed them for intra-city services to help moderate transport costs within Makurdi, disclosing that the buses currently operate on routes including Air Force Base, Wurukum, North Bank and George Akume Way, providing affordable transport options for residents.

On route expansion, the General Manager revealed that all previously inactive routes to local government headquarters in Benue State have been reopened. He said when the current management took over, only a few routes such as Makurdi-Otukpo and Makurdi-Zaki-Biam were functional, while several others had been abandoned.

He further stated that Benue Links has resumed operations in many parts of the country where services had previously been suspended noting that routes to cities such as Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin and Katsina have been restored, bringing the company’s operational coverage to at least 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT).

Speaking on technological innovation, Fanafa said the company has successfully introduced an online booking platform that allows passengers to reserve tickets from the comfort of their homes. He explained that the ICT unit established under the current administration has trained staff, digitized operations and maintained a cybercrime-free booking system since its launch over a year ago.

The General Manager also disclosed that all vehicles operating under the Benue Links brand have undergone data capture and verification to ensure accountability and public confidence. He added that the company has abolished casual employment, stressing that Governor Alia’s administration has prioritized permanent employment opportunities while strengthening the workforce needed to operate the expanded fleet.