₦605.5 Billion Budget: Benue Bets On Rural Development
A Budget Built Around the Rural Economy
BENUE State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has proposed a ₦605.5 billion budget for 2026, signalling a renewed push to reposition rural communities as engines of growth. The estimate, presented to the Benue State House of Assembly, is 10 per cent higher than the previous year’s budget.
According to the governor, years of underinvestment have left rural areas struggling despite their importance to food security and cultural heritage. The 2026 proposal, he said, is designed to reverse that trend by directing resources toward infrastructure, agriculture-related livelihoods and community-based development.
Recurrent and Capital Allocations
Recurrent expenditure is projected at ₦281.09 billion, accounting for nearly half of the total budget. The increase in recurrent spending is expected to absorb rising personnel costs, including implementation of the minimum wage and other governance-related expenses.
Capital spending stands at ₦342.42 billion, reflecting the administration’s intent to sustain economic gains while stimulating growth in rural areas. The governor noted that investments under this component would focus on projects with long-term economic and social impact.
Assembly’s Assurance
Reacting to the presentation, Speaker Alfred Emberga described the budget as a reflection of the governor’s vision for improved welfare and economic stability. He pledged the assembly’s cooperation in ensuring prompt scrutiny and passage, stressing the need for transparency and collaboration during budget defence sessions.
