Benue Governor, Hyacinth Alia says President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms have strengthened the state’s finances, enabling investments in infrastructure, security, agriculture, healthcare and workers’ welfare.
Alia stated this on Wednesday at the periodic ‘Meet the Press’ briefing held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said increased allocations from the Federation Account and improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had strengthened Benue’s fiscal position and accelerated development projects.
The governor commended Tinubu for demonstrating courage in implementing difficult but necessary reforms to reposition Nigeria’s economy for long-term growth.
“Mr President has demonstrated courage and political will in undertaking far-reaching economic reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy for long-term sustainability,” he said
Alia said the Federal Government had consistently engaged states as critical partners in implementing the reforms.
He said Benue had witnessed a significant increase in federal allocations, enabling the state to revive its economy and meet critical obligations.
“One of the most visible outcomes of the reforms has been the significant increase in allocations to states from the Federation Account,” Alia added.
According to him, the improved revenue has strengthened the state’s capacity to invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and security.
He said the administration had revived moribund industries, including the Food Basket Brewery and Benue Juice and Concentrate Factory.
Alia added that arrangements had reached an advanced stage to revive Taraku Mills after resolving longstanding legal encumbrances.
“We are just inches away from resuscitating Taraku Mills after clearing the legal obstacles,” he explained.
The governor said improved revenue also enabled the administration to clear salary arrears and substantially reduce outstanding pension liabilities.
He recalled that many workers and pensioners were owed salaries and pensions running into several months before his administration assumed office.
“Payment of salaries and pensions became a celebration because people had been denied what rightfully belonged to them,” Alia said.
Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising workers’ welfare to enhance productivity.
He said the state had rehabilitated and constructed over 550 kilometres of roads to improve connectivity across local government areas.
The governor also disclosed that more than 420 basic education facilities had been reconstructed across the state’s 23 local government areas.
He said primary healthcare centres had equally been upgraded, improving access to quality healthcare.
According to him, the reforms had transformed Benue into a healthcare destination attracting patients from neighbouring states and the Federal Capital Territory.
On agriculture, Alia said the government had sustained free distribution of fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides and improved seedlings to farmers.
He added that the state subsidised farm inputs and provided tractors to encourage mechanised farming and increase food production.
“We have sustained free farm inputs and subsidised fertilisers, resulting in a significant increase in agricultural production,” he said.
The governor said improved security had enabled many internally displaced persons (IDPs) to voluntarily return to their communities and resume farming.
He attributed the progress to collaboration between the Federal Government and Benue in tackling insecurity.
“Relative peace has returned, and many displaced persons are voluntarily returning home to continue farming,” the governor added.
Alia disclosed that the state had procured 120 Hilux vehicles, over 620 motorcycles, boats and other logistics to support security agencies.
He said although isolated attacks still occurr, security had improved considerably compared to previous years.
The governor acknowledged that the reforms initially triggered inflation and increased living costs, but expressed confidence that expanding agricultural production was gradually easing the pressures on residents.
Alia assured Benue people that additional public resources would continue to be managed prudently, transparently and in their best interest.
He welcomed constructive criticism and public scrutiny, saying they remained essential for improving governance and public service delivery.
“Government will continue to welcome constructive criticism because it helps us improve governance and serve the people better,” he said.
