Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State on Monday presented the 2026 budget estimate to the Benue State House of Assembly, proposing a total outlay of ₦605.5 billion for the fiscal year.
The proposed budget, themed “Rural Development, Livelihood Support and Sustained Growth,” represents a 10 per cent increase over the 2025 allocation.
Presenting the estimate, Governor Alia said the theme reflects his administration’s development philosophy, placing strong emphasis on transforming rural communities as a pathway to inclusive growth and economic stability.
He noted that Benue’s rural areas, which form the backbone of the state’s food production and cultural heritage, have suffered years of underinvestment. The 2026 budget, he said, is designed to reverse that trend.
A breakdown of the proposal revealed ₦281.09 billion earmarked for recurrent expenditure, representing 46.4 per cent of the total budget. This component reflects a 21.69 per cent increase over the revised 2025 recurrent expenditure and is expected to cover the minimum wage, salaries, and other overhead costs of governance.
On capital expenditure, Governor Alia proposed ₦342.42 billion to fund development projects aimed at sustaining economic gains and stimulating growth in the rural economy. The allocation represents a 1.66 per cent change over the revised 2024 capital budget, with a focus on infrastructure, livelihood support, and long-term development initiatives.
Describing the presentation as an expression of duty, responsibility, and optimism, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the aspirations of Benue citizens.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Alfred Emberga, thanked the governor for presenting what he described as the third budget of the administration in line with constitutional provisions.
The Speaker said the budget reflects Governor Alia’s vision and commitment to improving the welfare of Benue citizens, pledging the assembly’s readiness to give the estimates prompt consideration.
He assured that the House would work swiftly to process and return the budget and urged Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to cooperate with standing committees during budget defence to ensure the passage of a workable, people-oriented, and transparent 2026 budget.
