Alia Unveils ₦605.5bn 2026 Budget for Benue, Prioritises Rural Development

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Monday presented a ₦605.5 billion budget estimate for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, representing a 10 per cent increase over the 2025 appropriation.

Presenting the proposal, the governor said the 2026 budget was anchored on his administration’s development philosophy, with a strong emphasis on transforming rural communities to drive inclusive growth and economic stability.

Alia noted that Benue’s rural areas, which form the backbone of the state’s food production and cultural heritage, had suffered years of underinvestment, stressing that the new budget was structured to reverse the trend and unlock economic potential at the grassroots.

A breakdown of the estimate showed that ₦281.09 billion, representing 46.4 per cent of the total budget, was allocated to recurrent expenditure. The recurrent spending is a 21.69 per cent increase over the revised 2025 figure and will cover payment of the minimum wage, salaries, overheads and other governance-related costs.

For capital expenditure, the governor proposed ₦342.42 billion to fund development projects aimed at sustaining economic gains, stimulating rural economic activities and improving infrastructure. The capital allocation reflects a 1.66 per cent change from the revised 2024 capital budget.

Governor Alia described the budget presentation as an expression of duty, responsibility and optimism, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to meeting the aspirations and welfare needs of the people of Benue State.
Responding, Speaker of the House, Alfred Emberga, commended the governor for presenting what he described as the administration’s third budget in line with constitutional requirements.

Emberga said the estimates reflected the governor’s vision and dedication to improving the living standards of residents, assuring that the assembly would give the budget prompt consideration. He urged ministries, departments and agencies to cooperate with legislative committees during budget defence to ensure the passage of a transparent, people-focused and workable 2026 budget.