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The Benue State Ministry of Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals on Monday appeared before the State Planning Commission to justify its proposed 2026 budget, with Commissioner Rev. Dr. Frederick Ikyaan restating the ministry’s determination to overhaul land administration and turn the state’s solid minerals sector into a major revenue earner.
Leading a high-powered delegation that included Permanent Secretary Dr. (Mrs.) Eunice Ihu, Surveyor General ESV Emmanuel Nóngo, and several directors, Rev. Ikyaan told the commission that the 2026 allocation is deliberately targeted at strengthening land administration systems, boosting survey operations, and fast-tracking solid minerals development.
He explained that the budget will fund digital mapping initiatives, upgrade survey equipment, reduce certificate of occupancy processing time, and establish clearer frameworks for mining activities, all aimed at blocking leakages, attracting investors, and significantly increasing internally generated revenue.
After the session, Media Assistant to the Commissioner, Akaha Sule, described the engagement as highly productive. “The Honourable Commissioner articulated the ministry’s vision clearly, and the Planning Commission now fully understands why every kobo requested is critical to achieving the state’s developmental objectives for 2026,” he said.
Sule emphasized that the ministry remains committed to transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery, adding that the 2026 proposals are built around eliminating the bottlenecks that have frustrated investors and citizens alike in land and mineral-related transactions.
The defense comes at a time when Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration is pushing for diversification of revenue sources away from over-dependence on federal allocations, with lands and solid minerals repeatedly identified as low-hanging fruits.
If the budget scales through the Planning Commission and eventual Executive Council approval, 2026 could mark the beginning of a digital land registry and a more investor-friendly mining regime in Benue State.
