FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State House of Assembly on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga, at the Assembly Complex in Makurdi, considered and advanced several critical legislative matters aimed at improving governance and public welfare in the state.
Leading the debate on the second reading of H.B.31, Hon. Douglas Terkume Akya called for an upward review of the minimum pension to ₦50,000, alongside the payment of outstanding gratuities and pension arrears. He described the current pension structure as inadequate in the face of rising living costs, stressing the need to restore dignity to retirees and fulfill the state’s moral and social obligations to its senior citizens.
Similarly, the Majority Leader, Hon. Sir Thomas Dugeri, presented H.B.40, which seeks to repeal the Benue State Sports Marketing and Lotteries Board Law, 2017, and re-enact a more comprehensive legal framework to regulate online lotteries, gaming, and sports marketing. He noted that the proposed law would address digital advancements, boost internally generated revenue, enhance consumer protection, and strengthen enforcement against illegal operators.
Hon. Dugeri also led debate on H.B.32, a bill to amend the Area Courts Law of 2004. The amendment aims to modernize the grassroots judicial system by reviewing jurisdictional limits, improving the qualifications of presiding officers, enhancing procedural efficiency, and standardizing court records. The bill was subsequently passed into law.
In a related development, the Assembly recommended the suspension of the State Auditor-General, Mr. Abraham Gberindyer, over allegations of financial misappropriation amounting to ₦4.6 billion. The Speaker directed the House Committee on Finance and Public Affairs to commence a thorough investigation and report back at the next legislative sitting.
The House also passed a bill for a law to provide for the creation and adoption of the Benue State symbol and anthem, alongside other related matters.
The Assembly thereafter adjourned on recess, marking the end of the Third Legislative Session (2025–2026) of the Tenth Assembly.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
