Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Makurdi, Benue State – The Benue State Government has formally responded to the recent Good Governance Rating Index (GGRI) report that ranked the state among Nigeria’s worst-governed, describing the findings as fundamentally flawed and misleading. In a statement issued by Chief Solomon Iorpev, Technical Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communications, the government said the report failed to take into account the unique challenges facing the state, particularly the persistent herder-farmer conflicts and other security issues.
The government contended that the GGRI report’s overreliance on unofficial data and security metrics ignored critical contextual factors, undermining the credibility of its conclusions. “The assertion that insecurity, poverty, and governance failures have pushed the state into crisis cannot be further from the truth,” the statement said. The government emphasized that security largely falls under federal jurisdiction, limiting state-level control.
Highlighting the Alia administration’s accomplishments, the statement detailed significant strides in healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and citizen empowerment. The Benue State University Teaching Hospital has been revitalized, with a new cancer treatment center underway, while primary healthcare facilities across the state are being upgraded. Investments in medical education and the consistent payment of entitlements ensure the development of a skilled healthcare workforce.
In education, over 9,700 teachers have been recruited, and new multi-storey buildings have been constructed across government primary schools. Scholarships for outstanding students, initiatives promoting girl-child education, and the sponsorship of students abroad underscore the government’s focus on educational development.
Infrastructure projects include the construction of over 390 kilometres of roads across the state, underpass projects in Makurdi and Gboko, street lighting expansion, and renovations of public buildings such as the State House of Assembly and the state secretariat.
Agriculture has received special attention, with programs providing inputs, technical support, and access to structured markets for farmers. The Smallholder Farmer Outgrower Programme and the CRF scheme aim to enhance food security, create jobs, and promote commercialized agriculture.
The government also highlighted empowerment initiatives, including financial support and training for women and youths, distribution of relief materials, and a N5 billion intervention fund to cushion citizens against economic challenges. Efforts to revitalize moribund companies and establish new enterprises, such as a bread factory, water plant, juice factory, and nails manufacturing company, have created employment and boosted economic activity.
Security efforts led by Governor Alia, including Operation Anyam Nyor and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, along with the provision of vehicles and motorbikes, have contributed to relative peace in the state.
The government concluded that, despite the challenges cited by the GGRI, indicators across sectors show substantial progress in improving citizens’ welfare and quality of life. “The GGRI report is a misrepresentation of the facts on the ground,” the statement said, urging the public to consider the full picture of achievements under Governor Alia’s administration.
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