Benue’s Poor Performance in 2026 Phillips Consulting Index sets debate for Accountability — ATD

The Alliance for Truth and Democracy (ATD) has expressed serious concern over Benue State’s poor showing in the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Momentum Index (pSPI), describing the state’s negative development rating as a national embarrassment and calling on Governor Hyacinth Alia to provide a full account of public funds received since assuming office.

In a statement signed by the group, ATD said the latest Phillips Consulting report assigned Benue State a negative Momentum Score of -0.49, placing the state among Nigeria’s lowest-performing states in terms of development momentum.

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According to the group, the report exposes what it described as a growing disconnect between the Benue State Government’s claims of progress and the realities experienced by residents.

Benue Ranked Among States Recording Negative Development Momentum

ATD noted that while states including Enugu, Jigawa, Abia, Osun and Kano were recognized for measurable improvements in governance and development, Benue—once regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural states—was listed among states experiencing negative development momentum.

The group described the development as disappointing, arguing that the state has moved backwards despite receiving unprecedented financial inflows over the past three years.

Questions Over Management of Over ₦1.3 Trillion

The statement maintained that Governor Alia cannot attribute the state’s poor performance to inadequate funding.

According to ATD, Benue State has reportedly received over ₦1.3 trillion through Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations, internally generated revenue (IGR), grants, intervention funds and other sources since May 2023.

The group also referenced a reported ₦100 billion domestic loan, alongside additional interventions from the Federal Government and development partners.

ATD argued that with financial resources of such magnitude, Benue should have recorded significant progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, security and economic development.

Instead, the organization said the state’s negative momentum score raises important questions about governance and fiscal accountability.

ATD Demands Full Disclosure of Government Finances

The Alliance for Truth and Democracy called on Governor Alia to immediately publish detailed information on the state’s financial inflows and expenditures since assuming office.

Specifically, the group requested the publication of:

Total FAAC allocations received since May 2023.

Total internally generated revenue (IGR).

All grants, intervention funds and donor support received.

Details of every loan obtained, including the reported ₦100 billion facility.

A comprehensive project-by-project breakdown of expenditure.

Independent evidence demonstrating the impact of government spending on education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, agriculture, job creation and economic growth.

Call for Transparency and Public Accountability

ATD argued that government officials should move beyond positive public relations campaigns and provide verifiable evidence of development outcomes.

According to the group, Benue residents deserve clear explanations for why insecurity remains a major challenge, farmers continue to face difficulties returning to their ancestral lands, infrastructure deficits persist in many communities and unemployment remains high despite significant public revenues.

The organization said the latest Phillips Consulting assessment reinforces what it described as a troubling pattern of substantial financial inflows but disappointing governance outcomes.

ATD Urges End to Propaganda

The group recalled that the current administration came into office with promises of delivering a “new Benue,” but argued that independent assessments now present a different picture.

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ATD concluded that the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Momentum Index should serve as a wake-up call for greater transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources.

It added that Benue citizens deserve a comprehensive explanation of how public funds have been utilized and whether those expenditures have translated into measurable improvements in the lives of the people.