Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has signed into law the 2026 Appropriation Bill, pledging to end years of neglect of rural communities and drive inclusive economic growth across the state.
The governor assented to the bill on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, describing the budget as a people-focused fiscal plan designed to promote rural development, livelihood support and sustained economic growth.
Originally presented to the Benue State House of Assembly as a ₦605.51 billion proposal, the budget was reviewed and increased to ₦695.01 billion, following legislative adjustments. The revision represents an increase of ₦89.5 billion.
Presenting the bill for assent, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga, said lawmakers carefully scrutinised the estimates in line with current economic realities and the development priorities of the Alia administration.
Speaking after signing the bill, officially titled the “Budget of Rural Development, Livelihood Support and Sustained Growth,” Governor Alia said the document reflects both the current needs of the state and the collective aspirations of its people.
He noted that Benue’s rural communities, long regarded as the backbone of national food security, have suffered decades of infrastructural neglect.
“For decades, our rural areas have borne the burden of underdevelopment despite feeding the nation. With this budget, we are sending a clear message that rural neglect in Benue State has come to an end,” the governor said.
According to him, the 2026 budget prioritises rural transformation through the construction of feeder roads and bridges, improved water supply, rural electrification and climate-resilient infrastructure.
“When farms are linked to markets, wealth is created. When communities are connected to schools and hospitals, dignity is restored. A thriving rural Benue means a prosperous state,” Alia added.
The governor disclosed that agriculture and agro-industrial development received significant funding,
acknowledging the sector’s central role in the state’s economy. He said the government plans to expand access to subsidised farm inputs, mechanisation, extension services, aggregation centres and small-scale processing facilities.
“We are not just producing food; we are building value chains, creating jobs and increasing incomes,” he said.
Governor Alia commended the Benue State House of Assembly for what he described as a transparent and diligent budget process, and called on citizens, development partners, the private sector, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and the media to support the implementation of the budget.
He assured residents that the 2026 budget would be executed with strict discipline and accountability, adding that its success would be measured by visible improvements in the lives and livelihoods of people across the state