Benue gov signs N695bn 2026 budget
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has assented to the N695.01 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill, declaring that the spending plan will mark the end of decades of neglect of rural communities in the state. Governor Alia signed the bill into law on Wednesday night following its passage by the Benue State House of Assembly. The […]
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has assented to the N695.01 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill, declaring that the spending plan will mark the end of decades of neglect of rural communities in the state.
Governor Alia signed the bill into law on Wednesday night following its passage by the Benue State House of Assembly.
The governor had earlier presented a proposed budget of N605.51 billion to the Assembly, but lawmakers increased the figure by N89.5 billion after legislative scrutiny and budgetary reviews.
Presenting the bill for assent, the Speaker of the House, Alfred Emberga, said lawmakers subjected the estimates to detailed analysis in line with prevailing economic realities and the development vision of the Alia administration.
Emberga said the Assembly was committed to ensuring that the budget reflects the needs and aspirations of the people, particularly at the grassroots level.
Signing the bill into law, Governor Alia described the 2026 appropriation—christened the “Budget of Rural Development, Livelihood Support and Sustained Growth”—as people-oriented and structured to drive inclusive economic growth across the state.
According to him, the budget places strong emphasis on rural transformation through the construction of feeder roads and bridges, improved access to potable water, rural electrification, and the development of climate-smart infrastructure.
He said improved connectivity between farms and markets would boost agricultural productivity and increase farmers’ incomes, while better access to schools and healthcare facilities would enhance the dignity and overall wellbeing of rural residents.
The governor further disclosed that agriculture and agro-industrial development received significant allocations in the 2026 budget. He said planned interventions include expanded access to subsidised farm inputs, increased mechanisation, strengthened extension services, the establishment of aggregation centres, and the development of cottage processing facilities.
“Our farmers remain the pride of this land. We are not just growing crops; we are growing value chains, jobs and incomes,” Alia said.
He commended the House of Assembly for what he described as a diligent, transparent and patriotic approach to the budget process, and called on citizens, development partners, the private sector, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and the media to support effective implementation of the spending plan.
Governor Alia assured residents that the 2026 budget would be implemented with discipline and accountability, stressing that its success would ultimately be measured by the tangible impact it makes on the lives and livelihoods of the people of Benue State.