Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday mounted a forceful defense of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms and programmes, insisting that the packages have expanded States’ finances, bolstered security and helped revive critical infrastructure to improve millions of lives.
The Benue Governor said the President’s reforms have also impacted in particular, Benue State’s agriculture — even turning ‘Food Basket’ into an emergent destination for medical tourism and care.
Speaking at an on-the-record briefing “MEET THE PRESS” with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Governor Alia credited federal reforms for enlarging the State’s fiscal space and allowing his administration to meet inherited wage bills while investing in roads, schools, health clinics and farm support programmes.
“The additional resources accruing to the state will continue to be utilised responsibly and transparently,” he said, promising continued prudence in managing revenue flows.
Governor Alia said his government had cleared more than N1 billion in salary arrears and resolved legal encumbrances that had stalled the revival of Taraku Mills, setting the stage for new investment and job creation.
He said salaries and pensions, once chronically delayed, are now paid regularly, restoring confidence in public finances.
The Governor described an aggressive infrastructure programme that, he said, has rehabilitated more than 550 kilometres of existing roads and added more than 420 kilometres of new roads across Benue’s 23 local government areas.
Schools and public facilities, he added, are being rebuilt as part of the effort.
On health, Governor Alia said upgrades to primary and secondary facilities have improved service delivery and drawn patients from neighbouring states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“We have become a medical tourism power,” he said, noting that such flows of patients were further evidence of improved security.
The Benue Governor Alia also credited tighter security as central to economic recovery, citing a layered response that includes the Benue Civil Protection Guards, a Joint Task Force called Anyam Nyor, community vigilantes and “technology-driven” intelligence systems.
He said the measures have enabled thousands of internally displaced persons to return home and resume farming.
“I can sit where I am and monitor what is happening in different frontline areas of the state,” he said, while declining to disclose operational details he described as part of the state’s security architecture.
The Governor reiterated his backing for the creation of state police, arguing local recruitment would improve intelligence because officers know the terrain and the people.
He acknowledged risks of abuse but said those could be managed through legislation, oversight and accountability.
On agriculture, Governor Alia said, the sector has been a priority.
According to him, the State has subsidised fertiliser for three years, paying half the cost while farmers cover the rest, and received federal deliveries of more than 600 truckloads of fertiliser plus some 6,000 metric tonnes through partnerships.
The State has also distributed tractors, supported farmer cooperatives and launched Young Farmers Clubs that provide land preparation, seedlings and production assistance.
“We are moving from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture,” he said, adding that every local government area has access to tractors and that the state is expanding mechanisation programmes.
Asked on concerns that state-level actions were undermining local government and judicial independence, Governor Alia pushed back, saying Benue remains “fully compliant with constitutional provisions.”
He described an arrangement in which local councils execute development projects independently while the state government focuses on supervision and accountability.
“It has reduced my burden significantly,” he said.
“Once local governments receive their allocations, they execute their priorities and account for how the resources are utilised.”
While inviting journalists to verify his claims, Governor Alia challenged sceptics to visit Benue.
“If anyone thinks the roads and infrastructure we have built are artificial intelligence, they should come to Benue and see for themselves,” he said.
Repeating his endorsement of President Tinubu’s reforms, the Governor said the policy changes have improved states’ financial capacity to pursue development projects.
“If the reforms were not working, I would be the first person to say so. Benue is among the biggest beneficiaries,” Governor declared.
