Governor Alia Unveils N605.5bn Budget for Benue’s Growth

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has presented a N605.5 billion appropriation bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly. The proposed budget, tagged “Budget of Rural Development, Livelihood Support and Sustained Growth,” allocates N342.4 billion for capital expenditure and N281.1 billion for recurrent expenditure.

Governor Alia noted that the 2025 budget of N550 billion was performed at 73.2% as of November, with N402.7 billion spent. He highlighted that 3.68% of the capital budget is earmarked for social protection, targeting support for the elderly, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and vulnerable households.

The governor stated that his administration has reduced debts by N68.9 billion since assuming office in 2023, inheriting N359.6 billion. However, he warned of anticipated challenges to the 2026 budget.

Key highlights of the proposed budget include support for rural development and livelihood, with expectations to reach at least 1,000 beneficiaries in each of the 276 wards to reduce unemployment.