Benue spent N4.53 billion to service debts in a year—Alia.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia claims his administration spent $2.82 million (N4.53 billion) repaying external debts between June 2023 and June 2024.

Alia disclosed the information in a statement signed by his principal press secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Makurdi.

The governor stated that Benue has not borrowed monies since the beginning of his administration, but has paid the amount to lessen the state’s debt load.

He further added that the Debt Management Office’s latest report indicated that Benue’s foreign debt profile has significantly decreased over the time under consideration.

“Recall that, having inherited over $350 billion in debt from the previous government, the administration has been wary of obtaining loans, while launching multiple projects around the state, many of which are now completed.

“We are shifting the narrative towards good government and providing tremendous democratic dividends to the people.

“We are consistent in insisting that the future of the state comes first and has demonstrated the highest level of decision-making and resource management,” he told reporters.

He further noted that the recent BudgIT publication for the third quarter of 2024, which is the States Fiscal Transparency League Table, shows that Benue has risen to the ninth place from the 35th and 36th positions it had held since 2015.