State lawmakers just greenlit a budget after pumping it up by billions. The Benue State House of Assembly passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill, setting total spending at over 695 billion Naira, a figure nearly 90 billion Naira higher than the initial proposal from Governor Hyacinth Alia. The approval followed a review by the legislative Appropriation Committee, chaired by Isaac Ochikliye, which emphasized priorities like infrastructure projects, social services, and sustainable economic growth.
Alongside the passage, the Assembly issued directives for stricter financial control, advising its oversight committees to prevent agencies from making unauthorized expenditures. They also called for stronger audit functions and tighter procurement rules to ensure transparency and proper budget execution. Speaker Berger Alfred Emberga praised the committee's work and instructed the clerk to prepare the final document for the governor's signature, completing the legislative process.
Alongside the passage, the Assembly issued directives for stricter financial control, advising its oversight committees to prevent agencies from making unauthorized expenditures. They also called for stronger audit functions and tighter procurement rules to ensure transparency and proper budget execution. Speaker Berger Alfred Emberga praised the committee's work and instructed the clerk to prepare the final document for the governor's signature, completing the legislative process.
