A commission of inquiry established by the Benue State Government has uncovered about N139.8 billion in unaccounted public funds after reviewing the state's finances between 2015 and 2023.

Presenting the report on Friday in Makurdi, the commission chairman, Justice Jubril Idrisu, said the investigation revealed serious concerns regarding the management of public funds during the period under review.

According to the report, the state generated over N826.5 billion in revenue, while total expenditure stood at approximately N683.4 billion, leaving an unexplained balance of about N139.8 billion.

“Records showed that the state generated over N826.5 billion in revenue, while expenditure stood at about N683.4 billion, leaving an unaccounted balance of approximately N139.8 billion,” Idrisu stated.

The commission recommended that the funds be recovered from individuals found responsible after further investigations.

The panel, inaugurated in June 2025, was mandated to examine the income and expenditure of the administration that governed the state between May 29, 2015, and May 28, 2023, including the activities of the 23 local government councils.

Beyond the missing funds, the commission also uncovered questionable loan arrangements involving local government councils and some financial institutions. Investigators reportedly found cases where loan repayments exceeded the original amounts borrowed, with inadequate supporting documentation.

The report further highlighted irregular transfers of public funds to certain financial institutions without sufficient records to justify the transactions.

To improve accountability, the commission recommended stricter financial controls, including proper authorization of online transactions and an end to the practice of issuing blank pre-signed mandates.

Receiving the report, Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, reaffirmed his administration's commitment to transparency and accountability.

The governor praised the commission for its diligence and pledged that the report's recommendations would be carefully considered to strengthen institutions, promote responsible management of public resources, and hold anyone found culpable accountable.

Alia also acknowledged the challenges encountered by the panel during the investigation and expressed confidence that the report would serve as an important reference point in restoring public trust in governance across the state.

Benue Panel Uncovers N139.8bn Unaccounted Funds, Recommends Recovery

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