Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has refuted claims that his administration obtained a £25 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for road projects in the state. In a statement released on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia labeled the reports as untrue and misleading, urging the public to disregard them.
Governor Alia emphasized that his administration has not borrowed any money since he took office on May 29, 2023. He stated that there has been no necessity to seek loans, and should the need arise in the future, the administration will follow all due processes transparently.
“The European Investment Bank (EIB), cited as the source of the alleged loan, is not a money-lending agency,” Kula explained. “The EIB supports long-term projects primarily within European nations and occasionally outside the European Union. The quoted £25 million is not a loan. The public and those spreading misinformation should understand that Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has restored trust in governance and attracted donor agencies and development partners to the state.”
Kula further noted that the administration has been active in paying counterpart funds when necessary, which has helped Benue secure development aid alongside other states like Borno, Taraba, Anambra, Cross River, and Edo.
He stressed that any significant loan, whether soft or bond, requires legislative approval, which has not been sought. “Governor Alia has not seen any need to borrow money. If such a need arises, all due processes will be followed, and the public will be informed about the purpose and amount of any borrowing,” Kula assured.
Governor Alia’s administration has so far demonstrated prudent and fiscally responsible management of resources, Kula concluded, emphasizing the governor’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
