Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has signed the 2025 budget of N550 billion into law.
The governor signed the budget into law late Monday a few hours after the State Assembly passed it into law.
The budget, tagged ‘Human Capital Development, Food Security, and the Digital Economy’, was estimated at N550,112,988,930.45 .
It was learnt that the signing of the bill into law coincided with the launch of the State’s 10-year Development Plan as well as the State Nutrition Policy, and the State Social Protection Policy, at the Benue State Government House, Makurdi, on Monday.
In his address, Alia described the event as a pivotal moment in his efforts to ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for the state.
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He said, ”The signing into Law of the 2025 budget, the formal launch of the 10-year Development Plan and these critical policies, mark the beginning of a new chapter in our state’s story.
“We are laying the groundwork for a future where every citizen has the opportunity to succeed, to live in dignity, and to contribute to the growth of our State.
“Our work is not finished today; it is just the beginning. Together, we will build a brighter, more resilient future for ourselves and for generations to come.”
The governor further stated that the law will provide the framework for expanding access to quality education, improving healthcare services, and fostering lifelong learning.
He added that his government was committed to equipping every citizen, both young and old, with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to thrive in a fast-evolving world.
Speaking on Digital Economy, the governor described it as the future, saying he was committed to leading that charge.
“This budget allocates significant resources to the digital transformation of our economy, while investing in digital infrastructure, internet access, and innovation hubs, to foster an environment where entrepreneurs and businesses can flourish, digital literacy enhanced, jobs created, and openings for new opportunities,” he stated.
On the launch of the Social Protection Policy, Alia said that the policy signified his administration’s commitment to creating a safety net for the most vulnerable members of the society.
He described the policy as one that was designed to provide support for those in need, offering financial assistance, healthcare, education, and job training opportunities, insisting it is a testament to the resolve of his government to protect every citizen, regardless of their circumstances.
The governor thanked the State House of Assembly for passing the appropriation bill into law, as well as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, for facilitating some of the critical policies, saying the collective efforts will bring about positive change and lasting prosperity in the state.