The Benue State House of Assembly has approved Governor Hyacinth Alia’s request to secure a N100 billion loan from the United Bank for Africa (UBA) to fund large-scale infrastructure development across the state.
The approval came during an emergency plenary session held on Friday in Makurdi, presided over by Speaker Alfred Emberga. The Speaker read a letter dated October 9, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Deborah Aber, on behalf of the Executive Council, seeking legislative backing for the facility.
According to the letter, the loan will be used to discount a promissory note issued by the Federal Government on proceeds from the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). The funds are to be invested in key infrastructural projects, including the renovation and equipping of 23 general hospitals across the state.
The loan will also finance the construction and upgrading of science and smart schools in all federal constituencies, completion of major roads and bridges, and improvement of drainage and electricity networks in Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo.
Read Also:
- Villagers protests after herdsmen kill choirmaster, father, son in Benue
- Group decries incessant attacks on Benue border community
- Benue House of Assembly crisis deepens as speaker resigns
Governor Alia’s plan further includes establishing skills acquisition centres, modernizing secondary and tertiary institutions, and developing industrial parks to support agricultural processing. Part of the facility will be directed towards the completion of infrastructure at the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area.
The loan, negotiated under a 48-month tenor, will be repaid monthly through discounted Federal Government promissory notes and revenue inflows from the FAAC/IGR account.
During deliberations, lawmakers across party lines, including Majority Leader Thomas Dugeri, Minority Leader Abu Umoru, and members Matthew Damkor and Kennedy Angbo, commended Governor Alia for prioritizing infrastructural renewal and economic development. They expressed confidence that the initiative would drive urban expansion and improve living standards across Benue State.
Emberga, noting the unanimous support for the proposal, declared the motion approved, describing it as a major step toward transforming Benue’s infrastructure and stimulating sustainable growth.
