Benue Assembly Launches Task Force to Scrutinize Local Government Revenue

The Benue State House of Assembly has established a temporary committee to examine the financial activities of local governments aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability at the grassroots level.
The formation of the committee occurred during the plenary on Tuesday in Makurdi.

The Speaker, Mr. Alfred Emberga, mentioned that Gov. Hyacinth Alia had stated at various platforms that his administration had granted complete autonomy to local governments.

Emberga observed that sufficient funds were regularly allocated to empower them to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

The committee was led by the House Majority Leader, Mr. Thomas Dugeri, with Mr. Cyril Ikong acting as vice chairman.

Additional members include Mr. Terna Shimawua, Mr. Abu Umoru, Mr. Bemdoo Ipusu, Mr. Douglas Akya, and Mr. Isaac Ochekliye.

Emberga indicated that the committee’s secretariat would be managed by Mr. Daniel Gever as secretary, supported by Mr. Michael Tsav.

He urged the committee to conduct a thorough and meticulous task, requesting them to submit their report within 21 days.

In the meantime, the house also reviewed and approved four bills.

The bills encompass one to establish the Benue State Pension Harmonisation and Minimum Pension Law, 2026, aimed at enhancing pension management and the welfare of retirees, sponsored by Mr. Douglas Akya and five others.

The house additionally passed a bill to create the Benue State Security Trust Fund, intended to boost security funding, alongside a bill to annul the Local Government Law 2007 and draft a new legislative framework guiding the creation, organization, composition, financing, and responsibilities of local government councils in the state.

Moreover, the assembly sanctioned a bill to deliver a comprehensive framework for integrating climate change actions.

The proposed legislation also introduced a carbon budgeting system and established the Benue State Council on Climate Change Secretariat, showcasing the state’s dedication to environmental sustainability and climate governance.