The Alliance for Truth and Democracy (ATD) has challenged Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to explain why the state recorded a poor performance in the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Momentum Index (pSPI) despite what the group described as unprecedented financial inflows since the administration took office.
In a statement issued on Monday, the socio-political organisation expressed concern over Benue’s negative Momentum Score of -0.49, saying the rating raises serious questions about governance, accountability and the utilisation of public resources.
Benue Ranked Among States With Negative Development Momentum
According to ATD, the independent governance assessment listed Benue among states with negative development momentum, while states such as Enugu, Jigawa, Abia, Osun and Kano were recognised as Nigeria’s fastest-improving states.
The group described the development as “a national embarrassment,” arguing that Benue should have recorded significant progress considering the volume of resources available to the state government.
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ATD maintained that Governor Alia inherited one of the most financially rewarding periods in Benue’s history.
According to the statement, the state has received over ₦1.3 trillion through:
- FAAC allocations
- Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)
- Grants and intervention funds
- Federal Government support
- Development partner interventions
The group also recalled that the administration secured a ₦100 billion domestic loan in addition to other funding sources.
It argued that with such financial resources, Benue should be leading in development rather than recording a negative governance rating.
Group Demands Full Financial Accountability
The organisation asked the governor to publish detailed records of all revenues received since May 2023.
Specifically, it requested the release of:
- Total FAAC allocations received
- Total Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)
- Grants and donor support received
- Details of every loan obtained, including the ₦100 billion facility
- Project-by-project expenditure breakdown
- Measurable outcomes in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, security, job creation and economic development
Independent Assessment Raises Fresh Questions
ATD said the Phillips Consulting report reinforces concerns previously raised by independent organisations regarding governance and development outcomes in Benue.
According to the group, despite increased revenues, many residents continue to face insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, unemployment and limited access to essential services.
The statement noted that many farmers are yet to return safely to their ancestral communities, while several development indicators remain below expectations.
“The People Deserve Answers”
The organisation concluded that the latest assessment should shift public discourse from political publicity to transparency and accountability.
It argued that Benue people deserve a comprehensive explanation of how public funds have been utilised and why independent assessments continue to rank the state poorly despite record financial inflows.
“The Phillips Consulting report should mark the end of government propaganda and the beginning of genuine public accountability,” the statement concluded.
