Benue Road Contract Controversy Deepens as Governorship Aspirant Questions N68bn Project Cost

The controversy surrounding the cost of a road project linking Makurdi to the Renewed Hope Estate in Benue State has intensified, following fresh allegations by governorship aspirant of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Engr. Andrew Aba, who accused the state government of inflating the contract value by ₦40 billion.

The issue gained public attention after the suspended Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, alleged that the road project, currently valued at ₦68 billion, was initially proposed at ₦28 billion before the cost was increased by an additional ₦40 billion.

Dajoh's claims have sparked widespread debate across social media platforms, prompting reactions from government officials, including the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Mr. Tersoo Kula, who has defended the administration's position on the matter.

Reacting to the development in a statement shared on social media, Aba said he had previously raised concerns about the road project, insisting that even the original ₦28 billion estimate appeared excessive for a 13-kilometre road.

While acknowledging that contract pricing often varies depending on specifications and prevailing economic conditions, the NDC governorship hopeful maintained that the reported increase deserved public scrutiny, particularly at a time when the state faces significant developmental challenges.

According to him, the debate should not be limited to political disagreements but should focus on accountability and the opportunity cost of public expenditure.

Aba expressed concern over what he described as growing public acceptance of questionable government spending, citing comments from some residents who argued that the governor should be allowed to spend state funds as he deemed fit because of his performance in office.

He warned that such attitudes could weaken democratic accountability and reduce citizens' ability to demand transparency from elected leaders.

The governorship aspirant further alleged that the Alia administration has faced criticisms over issues of nepotism, marginalisation and lack of transparency in the management of state resources, claims the government has repeatedly denied.

To illustrate the potential impact of the disputed ₦40 billion, Aba outlined several projects he believes could be funded with the amount. These include investments in security infrastructure, water supply schemes, low-cost housing, mechanised agriculture, solar power generation, healthcare facilities, education support programmes, scholarships, road rehabilitation and industrial development.

He argued that prudent management of public funds could significantly improve living conditions across the state and accelerate development in critical sectors.

Drawing parallels with more developed nations, Aba stated that effective resource management, rather than resource abundance, remains the key to sustainable growth and improved living standards.

He also echoed remarks previously made by former President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that corruption poses a greater threat than outright theft because of its long-term impact on society and future generations.

The road contract controversy comes amid increasing political tension in Benue State ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition figures intensifying calls for greater transparency in government spending and project execution.

As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Government had not issued any fresh statement specifically addressing Aba's latest claims regarding the alleged inflation of the road contract.

The debate is expected to remain a major talking point in the state's political landscape as stakeholders continue to demand clarity on the project's actual cost and procurement process.