Benue Links on the Move: Alia’s reforms drive nationwide expansion.

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

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

Fanafa, who spoke with journalists as part of activities marking Governor Alia’s third anniversary in office, outlined key achievements recorded by the company since 2023.
According to him, one of the Governor’s earliest interventions was the donation of three trucks, which enabled Benue Links to begin operations as a national carrier.
He stated that the company subsequently completed all required registrations and obtained certification to operate across the country, extending its services beyond Benue State.
Fanafa noted that the company, which previously had only one permanent park, has acquired additional permanent parks with the support of Governor Alia. He said Benue Links now operates parks in Abuja, Zaki-Biam and other locations, while plans are ongoing to establish more parks in strategic areas.
The General Manager disclosed that, in addition to the 100 buses provided by the state government, the company has procured about 30 more vehicles, including buses, taxis and utility vans, to enhance sustainability. He added that another coaster bus had already been purchased and was being transported from Lagos to further boost the fleet.
He explained that Governor Alia directed the company to reduce transport fares following the removal of fuel subsidy in order to ease the economic burden on commuters. According to him, the measure was intended to make transportation more affordable and ensure that Benue Links remained a reliable option for residents across the state.
Fanafa said the administration also refurbished three Marcopolo buses and deployed them for intra-city operations to help reduce transportation costs within Makurdi. He disclosed that the buses currently operate on routes such as Air Force Base, Wurukum, North Bank and George Akume Way, providing affordable transportation for residents.
On route expansion, the General Manager revealed that all previously inactive routes to local government headquarters in Benue State have been restored. He said that when the current management assumed office, only a few routes, including Makurdi–Otukpo and Makurdi–Zaki-Biam, were operational, while several others had been abandoned.
He further stated that Benue Links has resumed operations in many parts of the country where services had earlier been suspended. According to him, routes to cities such as Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin and Katsina have been restored, increasing the company’s operational coverage to at least 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking on technological advancement, 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 more than a year ago.
The General Manager also disclosed that all vehicles operating under the Benue Links brand have undergone data capture and verification to promote accountability and strengthen public confidence. He added that the company has ended casual employment, emphasizing that Governor Alia’s administration has prioritized permanent employment opportunities while reinforcing the workforce required to manage the expanded fleet.