A Commission of Inquiry set up by the Benue State government to investigate the state’s income and expenditure between 2015 and 2023 has uncovered ₦139.8 billion in unaccounted public funds.
The Chairman of the Benue State Income and Expenditure Commission of Inquiry, Justice Jubril Idrisu (rtd), disclosed this yesterday, while presenting the commission’s report to Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House, Makurdi.
Idrisu said the Commission’s findings showed that the state generated more than ₦826.5 billion in revenue during the period under review, while expenditure stood at about ₦683.4 billion. According to him, the records revealed an unaccounted balance of approximately ₦139.8 billion, which the Commission recommended should be recovered from persons found responsible.
“The Commission’s findings, contained in two volumes, revealed significant concerns in the management of public finances during the period under review. Records showed that the state generated over ₦826.5 billion in revenue, while expenditure stood at about ₦683.4 billion, leaving an unaccounted balance of approximately ₦139.8 billion”, he said.
The retired jurist explained that the Commission, inaugurated in June 2025, was mandated to examine the income and expenditure of the immediate past administration and the 23 local government councils between May 29, 2015, and May 28, 2023. He said the panel also uncovered questionable loan transactions involving some financial institutions and local government councils, including repayments that far exceeded the original loan amounts without adequate documentation.
Idrisu further disclosed that investigators identified irregular transfers of public funds to certain financial institutions without sufficient records or proof of legitimacy, recommending appropriate recoveries where necessary.
He stressed the need for stronger financial controls, including proper authorisation of online transactions by designated officers and an end to the practice of issuing blank pre-signed mandates. According to him, such practices undermine transparency and accountability in public financial management.
Receiving the report, Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and institutional reforms. Represented by his deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, Alia commended the panel for their courage and painstaking assignment undertaken in the public interest, saying Justice Idrisu was selected to head the Commission because of his reputation as a fearless jurist and a man of integrity.
Alia expressed confidence that implementation of the Commission’s recommendations would strengthen institutions, curb the misuse of public resources and ensure accountability for those found culpable. He added that future generations would look back at the report as evidence of the Commission’s contribution to strengthening transparency and responsible management of public resources in Benue.
