Isiyaku Ahmed
Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue State has presented a N605.5 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year, with a strong focus on rural development, livelihood support, and sustained economic growth.
Presenting the estimates to the State House of Assembly on Monday, Governor Alia stated that the 2026 proposal, titled “Budget of Rural Development, Livelihood Support and Sustained Growth,” is designed to transform rural communities, strengthen agriculture, support vulnerable households, and consolidate ongoing infrastructure projects across the state.
The governor highlighted achievements recorded in 2025 despite economic and security challenges, including improved security coordination, support for internally displaced persons through UN and World Bank–backed programs, major road construction, salary and pension arrears reduction, enhanced transparency in governance, and increased investment in agriculture, education, health, and digital skills.
According to him, the proposed 2026 budget represents a 10 per cent increase over the 2025 budget. Of the total amount, N281.1 billion is allocated for recurrent expenditure, representing 46.4 per cent of the budget, while N342.4 billion, or 54 per cent, is set aside for capital projects, with emphasis on completing ongoing projects.
Key priorities of the 2026 budget include rural road construction, rural electrification and water supply, agricultural and agro-industrial development, social protection programs, youth and women empowerment, MSME support, education, healthcare, and digital transformation.
Governor Alianoted that over 30 per cent of the capital budget is dedicated to rural roads, while significant allocations were also made to agriculture, education, and health.
He also disclosed that Benue State’s debt profile has improved, with the state now meeting global debt sustainability standards, and assured lawmakers that borrowing would only be undertaken if absolutely necessary.
The Governor called on the House of Assembly to support the budget, describing it as a transformational blueprint aimed at inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and long-term economic stability for Benue State.
