The Benue State House of Assembly has enacted the 2026 Appropriation Bill, approving a total expenditure of N695,011,237,687.28 for the coming fiscal year. Lawmakers raised the spending plan by N89.5 billion above the N605.5 billion originally presented by Governor Hyacinth Alia, following the adoption of the Appropriation Committee report during Wednesday’s plenary.
The increase was approved after a detailed review by the House Committee on Appropriation, chaired by Hon. Isaac Ochikliye, with the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Douglas Akya, presenting the committee’s report. Speaker Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga presided over the sitting and commended the committee for its thorough examination of the estimates.
Benue State 2026 budget key priorities
According to the committee’s presentation, the 2026 budget framework places priority on fast-tracking infrastructural projects, strengthening social services and promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development across Benue State. The plan emphasises capital investment in roadworks, education and healthcare facilities alongside measures to support job creation and local enterprise.
Lawmakers said the additional N89.5 billion reflects adjustments intended to accelerate capital programmes and respond to pressing service delivery needs. The House adopted several resolutions aimed at improving the effectiveness of public spending, including tighter procurement procedures and enhanced audit oversight to reduce waste and ensure funds reach intended projects.
As part of its resolutions, the Assembly directed standing committees to ensure ministries, departments and agencies refrain from spending outside approved budgetary provisions. The move is intended to enforce fiscal discipline and prevent unauthorised expenditures that could undermine the budget’s objectives.
The House also called for improved audit oversight of public accounts and stricter procurement controls. These measures are designed to strengthen transparency and accountability in the execution of the appropriation law and to give stakeholders greater confidence in how public resources are managed.
Speaker Emberga praised the Appropriation Committee’s work and instructed the clerk of the House to prepare a clean, final copy of the appropriation law for onward transmission to the governor for assent. Once assented to, the appropriation will provide the legal authority for the state to release funds and begin implementation of the 2026 programme of work.
Local analysts say the passage of the appropriation bill sets the stage for an early start to planned capital projects, which could improve infrastructure and service delivery if the Assembly’s oversight and procurement recommendations are enforced. However, success will depend on timely release of funds, disciplined execution by MDAs and continued scrutiny by legislative committees.
For residents of Benue State, the approved budget promises renewed investment in essential services and infrastructure, with the House stressing that strict compliance with the law will be necessary to translate budget figures into tangible results on the ground. The next procedural step remains the governor’s assent, after which ministries and agencies may begin allocation and mobilisation for projects included in the 2026 spending plan.
Key Takeaways:
- Benue State 2026 budget approved at N695,011,237,687.28, an increase of N89.5bn over the governor’s proposal.
- Appropriation Committee prioritised infrastructure, social services and inclusive economic development.
- The House ordered stricter procurement rules and improved audit oversight to ensure fiscal discipline.
