FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State House of Assembly on Wednesday 21 January 2026 passed into law a bill to regulate outdoor structures used for the display of signage, hoardings and advertisements across the State, as well as for other related purposes.
The bill was passed following its third reading during plenary at the Assembly Complex, Makurdi, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, MNIQS.
With the passage of the law, outdoor advertising activities in Benue State will be properly regulated to enhance environmental aesthetics, promote orderliness and significantly boost the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Members of the House unanimously adopted the bill after deliberating on the report of the House Standing Committee on ICT and Digital Economy, chaired by Hon. Samuel Ismaila Agada (Ogbadibo State Constituency), during a committee of the whole session.
Presenting the committee’s report, Hon. Agada explained that effective implementation of the law would substantially improve the State’s revenue profile. He disclosed that the projected Internally Generated Revenue from outdoor advertising stands at ₦2 billion monthly, subject to assent by the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
Hon. Agada further noted that, beyond revenue generation, the law would create employment opportunities for the teeming youth of Benue State.
After a clause-by-clause consideration, the bill was read for the third time by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Bem Faasema Mela, and subsequently passed into law by the Honourable Members.
Commending members for their diligence, robust debate and valuable contributions, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, MNIQS, said the accelerated consideration and timely passage of the bill demonstrated the Assembly’s commitment to enacting laws that promote development and good governance.
Meanwhile, the House also granted a second reading to a bill seeking to provide a framework for the mainstreaming of climate change actions, establish a system of carbon budgeting, and create the Benue State Council on Climate Change Secretariat, 2026.
The climate change bill is sponsored by Hon. Kennedy Agbogo Angbo (Otukpo/Apa State Constituency).
Signed
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
