Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has officially signed the 2025 budget of ₦550 billion into law, following its approval just hours earlier by the Benue State House of Assembly.
The budget, titled Human Capital Development, Food Security, and the Digital Economy, amounts to a total of ₦550,112,988,930.45 and is intended to fuel the state's growth and development in critical sectors for the coming year.
On Monday, December 30, 2024, during its plenary session, the Benue State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, passed the appropriation bill. This move sets the stage for the implementation of a strategic plan that focuses on key developmental priorities for the state.
The signing ceremony took place at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi and was marked by the simultaneous launch of the State’s ambitious 10-Year Development Plan, the State Nutrition Policy, and the State Social Protection Policy—three foundational policies designed to enhance the well-being of all citizens.
Governor Alia described the occasion as a crucial milestone, calling it a pivotal moment in Benue’s quest for a more prosperous future. He expressed that the signing of the 2025 budget, along with the launch of the development and social policies, would serve as the cornerstone for creating a more equitable society where every Benue citizen can succeed, live with dignity, and contribute meaningfully to the state's progress.
The governor noted that this new beginning marks the start of collective efforts to create a brighter future, with the goal of leaving a lasting positive impact on both current and future generations. He emphasized the importance of fostering resilience and making sure the state is well-prepared to face challenges and seize opportunities in the years ahead.
Addressing the key focus areas of the budget, Governor Alia emphasized the critical investments being made in education, healthcare, and lifelong learning. The budget provides a comprehensive framework aimed at improving the quality of education and access to healthcare services, while also creating opportunities for the people of Benue to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
In terms of the state’s future economic strategy, Governor Alia highlighted the importance of the digital economy and the significant resources that have been allocated toward advancing digital transformation. This includes building digital infrastructure, improving internet access, and establishing innovation hubs designed to foster entrepreneurship, create new job opportunities, and enhance digital literacy, which will be vital for Benue’s competitive edge in the future economy.
The governor also shed light on the new Social Protection Policy, which is designed to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable members of society. This policy focuses on delivering essential services such as financial assistance, healthcare, education, and job training, ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to lead a dignified life regardless of their circumstances. The governor emphasized that the policy reflects his administration’s firm commitment to protecting the most vulnerable groups in society, including the elderly, children, and people with disabilities.
Governor Alia took a moment to express his heartfelt gratitude to the Benue State House of Assembly for their swift passage of the budget, as well as to UNICEF for its instrumental role in supporting the development of these policies. He concluded by reiterating his belief that through unity and collaboration, the people of Benue would be able to achieve long-term prosperity and create lasting positive change for the entire state.
