A commission of inquiry set up by the Benue State Government to investigate the state’s income and expenditure between 2015 and 2023 has uncovered N139.8 billion in unaccounted public funds.

Governor Hyacinth Alia

Justice Jubril Idrisu (retd), chairman of the Benue State Income and Expenditure Commission of Inquiry, disclosed this at the weekend 2026 while presenting the commission’s report to Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House, Makurdi.

Idrisu said the commission’s findings showed that the state generated more than N826.5 billion in revenue during the period under review, while expenditure stood at about N683.4 billion.

According to him, the records revealed an unaccounted balance of approximately N139.8 billion, which the commission recommended should be recovered from persons found responsible.

“The commission’s findings, contained in two volumes, revealed significant concerns in the management of public finances during the period under review.

“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,” he said.

The retired jurist explained that the commission, inaugurated in June 2025, was mandated to examine the income and expenditure of the immediate past administration and the 23 local government councils between May 29, 2015, and May 28, 2023.

He said the panel also uncovered questionable loan transactions involving some financial institutions and local government councils, including repayments that far exceeded the original loan amounts without adequate documentation.

Idrisu further disclosed that investigators identified irregular transfers of public funds to certain financial institutions without sufficient records or proof of legitimacy, recommending appropriate recoveries where necessary.

He stressed the need for stronger financial controls, including proper authorisation of online transactions by designated officers and an end to the practice of issuing blank pre-signed mandates.

According to him, such practices undermine transparency and accountability in public financial management.

Receiving the report, Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and institutional reforms.

Represented by his deputy, Dr Sam Ode, Alia commended the panel for their courage and painstaking assignment undertaken in the public interest.

He said Justice Idrisu was selected to head the commission because of his reputation as a fearless jurist and a man of integrity.

He expressed confidence that implementation of the commission’s recommendations would strengthen institutions, curb the misuse of public resources and ensure accountability for those found culpable.

He acknowledged the challenges encountered by the commission, including difficulties in obtaining information and cooperation from some individuals and institutions, but commended members for their resilience and dedication.

He also apologised for logistical difficulties experienced by the commission, noting that the present administration inherited serious institutional and administrative challenges at the inception of its tenure.

He assured the panel that its work would serve as a critical reference point in the state’s efforts to rebuild public confidence and restore accountability in governance.

The governor added that future generations would look back at the report as evidence of the commission’s contribution to strengthening transparency and responsible management of public resources in Benue.

The UK Government has announced the appointment of Mr Peter Vowles as the next British High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Mr Vowles succeeds Dr Richard Montgomery CMG and is expected to take up his post in Abuja in September 2026. Dr Montgomery remains in post until that time.

Mr Vowles brings extensive diplomatic and development experience to the role, having served as His Majesty’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe from 2023 to 2026 and previously as Ambassador to Myanmar from 2021 to 2022.

He has held senior leadership positions across the FCDO and its predecessor department DFID, including as Transformation Director and Director for Asia, Caribbean and Overseas Territories.

Earlier in his career, Mr Vowles worked in international development across South Asia, Central Africa and East Africa, including postings in Bangladesh, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya. He began his career in Zimbabwe, where he worked in education and development.

Peter Vowles said: “I am honoured to be appointed as British High Commissioner to Nigeria. Nigeria is a country of immense importance to the United Kingdom, and I look forward to working closely with Nigerian partners to strengthen our relationship across trade, development and security.”

World Bank has ranked the Apapa and Tin Can Island Port complexes in Lagos among the world’s 20 most improved ports in its 2025 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), released in June 2026.

The ranking places both ports in the “Top 20 Port Improvement Since 2020” category, reflecting significant gains in operational efficiency and vessel turnaround time.

The CPPI is a global benchmark used to assess the efficiency of container ports based on factors such as cargo handling speed, ship turnaround time and overall logistics performance.

According to the report, the improvement highlights ongoing reforms and modernization efforts within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr Abubakar Dantsoho, attributed the recognition to ongoing policy reforms and infrastructure upgrades in the sector.

He said the development reflects the impact of economic policies of President Bola Tinubu and the support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola.

“With the investor-friendly policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu providing the impetus for increased investment to drive our port infrastructure and equipment modernisation programme, coupled with the unflinching support of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, we have all it takes to further enhance trade facilitation, improve competitiveness and boost the national economy,” he said.

The NPA said the recognition is expected to strengthen investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector and enhance the country’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub.

It noted that improvements in port operations are already contributing to increased efficiency in cargo movement and reduced delays at key terminals.

The authority also pointed to ongoing efforts to modernise port infrastructure and expand digital systems aimed at improving service delivery.

Earlier in February 2026, the NPA said the federal government had intensified efforts to position Nigeria as a leading maritime destination through port rehabilitation and modernization projects.

It also highlighted public-private partnership initiatives, including developments at the Lekki Deep Sea Port, as part of broader reforms aimed at improving efficiency and attracting investment.

The CPPI ranking is expected to further boost Nigeria’s maritime profile and encourage additional investment in the sector.