ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-A commission of inquiry established by the Benue State Government to examine public finances between May 29, 2015, and May 28, 2023, has revealed that about N139.8 billion cannot be accounted for in the state’s financial records.
Chairman of the Benue State Income and Expenditure Commission of Inquiry, Justice Jubril Idrisu, disclosed this while presenting the commission’s report to Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House in Makurdi.
The commission stated that Benue State generated over N826.5 billion in revenue during the period under review, while total expenditure was put at about N683.4 billion.
The gap between both figures stood at roughly N139.8 billion.
Justice Idrisu said the panel recommended the recovery of the funds from individuals found culpable through appropriate legal and administrative processes.
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The commission, inaugurated in June 2025, was tasked with reviewing the financial activities of the immediate past administration and the 23 local government councils in the state.
Apart from the issue of the unaccounted funds, the panel raised concerns over loan transactions involving some local government councils and financial institutions.
According to the report, repayments on certain loans far exceeded the original amounts borrowed, while relevant supporting documents were either insufficient or unavailable.
The commission also uncovered what it described as irregular transfers of public funds to financial institutions without adequate documentation to verify the legitimacy of the transactions.
To improve accountability, the panel recommended stronger financial controls, including more stringent authorization procedures for online transactions and an end to the use of blank pre-signed mandates.
Receiving the report on behalf of Governor Alia, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, commended the commission for what he described as a diligent and courageous assignment carried out in the public interest.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and institutional reforms, expressing confidence that implementing the recommendations would strengthen public institutions and curb the misuse of public resources.
Governor Alia also acknowledged the challenges faced by the commission, including difficulties in obtaining information from some individuals and institutions.
He assured the panel that its report would serve as a key reference document in efforts to enhance governance and restore public confidence in the management of public finances.