Benue unveils N1.7trn 10-year development plan

The Benue State government has launched a N1.7 trillion development plan for the next 10 years (2026–2034) as part of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s strategic blueprint for the state’s growth. Our correspondent reports that during the public presentation of the plan in Makurdi, at the weekend, officials revealed that N1.6 trillion of approximately 96 per cent […]

The Benue State government has launched a N1.7 trillion development plan for the next 10 years (2026–2034) as part of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s strategic blueprint for the state’s growth.

Our correspondent reports that during the public presentation of the plan in Makurdi, at the weekend, officials revealed that N1.6 trillion of approximately 96 per cent of the required funds will be sourced from internally generated revenue and the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

The remaining 4 per cent is expected to come from development partners and public-private partnerships (PPP).

The event, organised in collaboration with UNICEF, also featured the launch of two additional policy documents – the 5-Year Social Protection Policy and the Food and Nutrition Policy, which includes a 5-Year Multi-sectoral Action Plan for Food and Nutrition.

UNICEF’s Chief Field Officer for the Enugu Field Office, Juliet Chiluwe, commended the state’s commitment to sustainable development, stressing the need for robust implementation of the plans.

“We are convinced that these policies, if properly funded and executed, will significantly enhance Benue’s development trajectory, UNICEF remains committed to supporting the state in achieving its strategic goals and broader national and global priorities,” she said.

Governor Alia, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Selumun Abeh, assured stakeholders that the plan would serve as a roadmap for progress, emphasising that while drafting policies is crucial, the real challenge lies in effective execution.

Meanwhile, Prof. Jerome Andohol, the Director General of the State Budget and Economic Planning Commission, disclosed that the state will secure most of the funding through internal revenue and FAAC allocations, with additional support from external partners and PPP arrangements.

“While our target is N1.7 trillion over five years, we will recalibrate if necessary to ensure key developmental goals are met,” Andohol stated.

The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Board (BSPHCB), Mrs Grace Ashi Wende, pledged that her office would drive full implementation at the grassroots.