FIC Report (Benue State) – A bill seeking to establish the Benue State Agency for International Cooperation and Development has passed second reading at the Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday 10th March 2026.
Leading the debate, the member representing Makurdi South State Constituency, Douglas Terkume Akya, said the proposed agency would serve as a strategic platform for coordinating international partnerships and attracting development opportunities to the state.
According to him, the agency would provide a structured framework for engaging international organizations, development partners, foreign governments, and global investors to support projects in key sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, technology, and climate resilience.
He noted that the establishment of the agency would also help identify and pursue funding opportunities from international donors, development banks, and global institutions, while promoting Benue State as an attractive destination for investment.
Hon. Akya added that the agency would enhance knowledge exchange and capacity building by enabling the state to benefit from global best practices in governance and development.
He further stated that creating a single coordinating body for international cooperation would improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency by ensuring that all partnerships align with the state’s development priorities.
The Speaker Rt Hon Alfred Emberga urged members of the House to support the bill and allow it pass second reading so it was referred to the House Standing Committee on Sustainable Development Goals and Donor Agencies for further legislative scrutiny.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
