FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday 14th April 2026 passed into law a bill establishing a formal system for recognising outstanding contributions to the state, following its third reading during plenary.
The legislation, titled Benue State Honours, Recognition and Awards Law, 2026, provides for the conferment of honours on deserving individuals through a warrant issued by the Executive Governor.
Presenting the report, the Majority Leader Hon. Pharm. Thomas Dugeri, said the bill was subjected to thorough legislative scrutiny, including consultations with relevant stakeholders and input from the House Legal Department.
The committee observed that the initial title of the bill required refinement to eliminate repetition and improve clarity.
It also noted that similar laws are already in operation in states such as Rivers, Imo, Lagos, and Kano.
According to the report, the law aims to recognise excellence, integrity, and service to Benue State, while promoting patriotism, diligence, and innovation.
It is also designed to encourage contributions to socio-economic development and establish a transparent, merit-based honours system.
Following the committee’s recommendation, the House considered the bill clause by clause before passing it.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga, thereafter directed the Clerk, Mr. Bem F. Mela, to read the bill for the third time, after which it was unanimously adopted.
The law will come into effect on a date to be appointed by the Governor.
Meanwhile, the House also received a new bill seeking to establish the Benue State Child Rights Protection, Gender-Based and Domestic Violence Agency (BENCRIPGA).
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Hon. Samuel Ismaila Agada, representing Ogbadibo State Constituency, and nine other lawmakers, aims to strengthen institutional response to child rights protection as well as gender-based and domestic violence in the state.
The bill has been introduced for legislative consideration and is expected to undergo further debate in subsequent sittings.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
