Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State yesterday presented the 2025 State’s budget, christened “Budget of Human Capital Development, Food Security, and Digital Economy,” to the State House of Assembly.
The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula ,said the budget, totalling N550.11 billion, is aimed at promoting sustainable development and improving the well-being of the state’s citizens.
Addressing lawmakers at the State Assembly complex in Makurdi, Alia outlined the priorities of the proposed budget, which includes key sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, education, and healthcare.
In the budget, the governor allocated N110 billion (20 per cent) for infrastructure development, with agriculture receiving N84 billion (15.28 per cent) and both education and health sectors each being allotted N82.5 billion (15 per cent).
Governor Alia emphasised that the 2025 budget is designed as a roadmap to a brighter future, with a focus on human capital development, food security, and the digital economy.
He pointed out that a portion of the budget—0.93 per cent —will be dedicated to social protection programmes, including unemployment benefits, housing, and poverty alleviation, as well as strategies for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
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Further highlighting the inclusive nature of the budget, the governor noted that 0.93 per cent would also go towards sports, youth development, and creativity.
Additionally, he said 10.68 per cent of the budget will support small businesses and startups, with a particular focus on tech-driven industries, through financial assistance, training, and mentorship programs.
Addressing challenges and progress made, Governor Alia said that the negative effects of an unpaid workforce have been mitigated, with the full implementation of a N70,000 minimum wage.
He also assured that the state was making significant strides in infrastructure rehabilitation and security improvements.
