Gov Alia signs N695bn 2026 Budget, declares end to rural neglect in Benue

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has given formal approval to the 2026 Appropriation Bill, endorsing a total expenditure of ₦695.01 billion aimed at accelerating rural transformation, boosting livelihoods, and sustaining economic expansion across the state.

The spending plan, officially titled “Budget of Rural Development, Livelihood Support and Sustained Growth,” was passed by the Benue State House of Assembly after lawmakers increased the original estimate of ₦605.51 billion by ₦89.5 billion following detailed legislative consideration.

While presenting the bill for assent, Speaker of the House, Mr. Alfred Emberga, explained that the Assembly carefully examined the proposal to ensure it aligned with current economic conditions and the development agenda of the Alia-led administration.

After signing the document into law, Governor Alia remarked that “this budget is rooted in the realities of our present and is guided by the aspirations that bind us to a greater tomorrow.”

He emphasized that rural areas continue to serve as the economic and cultural heartbeat of Benue State, despite having suffered long-term neglect even as they contribute significantly to national food production.

According to the governor, “At the heart of Benue lies a strong rural foundation that feeds the nation, preserves our culture, and anchors our path to inclusive growth.

For decades, these rural communities carried the weight of neglect. With this budget, we make a bold declaration, the era of rural neglect is over.”

He disclosed that the 2026 fiscal plan prioritizes the development of feeder roads, bridges, potable water schemes, rural power supply, and climate-resilient infrastructure to enhance connectivity and stimulate local economies.

Governor Alia added that “When we connect farms to markets, we unlock wealth. When we connect communities to schools and hospitals, we secure dignity. When rural Benue thrives, the entire state prospers.”

The governor also highlighted agriculture and agro-industrialization as key pillars of the budget, describing farmers as “the pride of the land.”

He noted that the sector would benefit from expanded access to subsidized farm inputs, mechanized farming equipment, extension services, aggregation hubs, and small-scale processing facilities.

Explaining further, he said, “That is why agriculture receives strong backing in this budget.

We are expanding access to subsidized inputs, mechanization, extension services, aggregation centres, and cottage processing facilities. We are not just growing crops; we are growing value chains, jobs, and incomes.”

Governor Alia praised members of the Benue State House of Assembly for conducting what he called a thorough, transparent, and patriotic budget exercise.

He appealed for broad-based collaboration in implementing the budget, urging citizens, development partners, private investors, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and the media to embrace it as a shared development framework.

He assured residents that the administration would enforce strict fiscal discipline and accountability in executing the budget, stressing that its true value would be judged by tangible improvements in the quality of life of Benue people.