FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State House of Assembly on Monday, 23 March 2026, conducted a public hearing on four critical bills aimed at strengthening public health, infrastructure, natural resource management, and grassroots governance in the state.
The hearing, held at the Assembly Complex in Makurdi, brought together stakeholders from government, traditional institutions, civil society, and the media, underscoring the legislature’s commitment to participatory and inclusive lawmaking.
The keynote address was delivered on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alfred Aondoaver Emberga, by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Lami Danladi Ogenyi. The address emphasized the House’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and people-oriented legislation.
In the address, the Speaker noted that the public hearing was convened to gather stakeholder input on four key bills currently before the House. These include: a Bill to provide free snakebite treatment in government hospitals and establish an administrative control committee; a Bill to establish the Benue State Road Maintenance Agency (BENROMA); a Bill to establish the Forestry, Mines and Solid Minerals Management Commission; and a Bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the Benue State Local Government Law, 2007.
He explained that the proposed legislation is designed to enhance healthcare delivery for snakebite victims, ensure sustainable road maintenance, safeguard forest reserves and mineral resources, and strengthen local government administration across the state.
“The House values your opinions and experiences as we are committed to creating legislation that serves the best interests of our dear state,” the Speaker stated, urging participants to make meaningful contributions to guide the passage of impactful laws.
He also commended the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his continued support to the legislature, assuring that the Assembly would maintain a harmonious working relationship with other arms of government to promote good governance.
Declaring the hearing open, the Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s readiness to partner with the public to ensure that citizens’ voices are reflected in the legislative process.
In his welcome address, the Majority Leader, Hon. Sir Thomas Dugeri, described the hearing as a clear demonstration of the Assembly’s commitment to participatory democracy. He stressed that the bills under consideration are critical to improving the lives of citizens across both rural and urban communities.
Dugeri highlighted the importance of the snakebite treatment bill, noting that snakebites remain a serious but often neglected public health challenge, particularly among farmers and rural dwellers. He said the proposed law would eliminate financial barriers to treatment and establish a structured response system.
On infrastructure, he explained that the establishment of BENROMA would ensure proper maintenance and rehabilitation of existing road networks, thereby protecting government investments.
He further noted that the proposed Forestry, Mines and Solid Minerals Management Commission would regulate resource extraction, curb illegal mining, protect the environment, and boost internally generated revenue.
Speaking on the Local Government bill, Dugeri stated that the planned repeal and re-enactment of the 2007 law would modernize grassroots administration, improve accountability, and align operations with current realities.
“The beauty of a public hearing lies in your inputs. We are here to listen, refine, and ensure that these bills truly reflect the aspirations of the people,” he said.
The outcome of the public hearing is expected to guide the final legislative process as the House moves toward passing the bills into law.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Centre, FIC Makurdi
