February 19, (THEWILL) – The Director General of the Benue State Budget and Economic Planning Commission, Prof. Jerome Andohol, has assured that the state’s N550.1bn budget for 2025 will address critical infrastructural deficits inherited by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Speaking during the budget breakdown in Makurdi on Wednesday, Andohol said N357.6bn has been earmarked for capital expenditure to fund ongoing and new projects across the state.
He highlighted key allocations, including 20% for infrastructure, 15.28% for agriculture and food security, and 15% for education and healthcare, noting that the distribution aligns with global best practices.
On revenue sources, the DG disclosed that the state expects N430.3bn from the Federation Account, while Internally Generated Revenue is projected at N35.6bn. He added that aid and grants would contribute N26.4bn, with capital development fund receipts accounting for N57.7bn.
“The government plans to construct silos in the three senatorial districts to improve food storage for farmers, while major markets in these zones will also be rehabilitated to boost agricultural trade,” Andohol stated.
He further noted that Benue has improved its budget performance ranking from last place to 9th position in the 2024 fiscal year, with a current performance rate of 60% in the first quarter.
Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Matthew Aboh, commended Alia for ensuring due process and transparency in governance, while the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, emphasised that the budget breakdown was necessary to inform the public about government plans.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Benue State Council, Bemdoo Ugber, lauded the state government for making the budget breakdown public and appealed for future presentations to be held at the NUJ House.
