The state assembly has approved a bill to restructure and modify the Benue Planning Commission on second reading.
During the Makurdi plenary on Thursday, Mr. Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West), the House Majority Leader, stated that the measure aimed to amend the current laws that were passed in 2001 and that the fourth assembly had previously examined in 2005.
The majority leader claims that the proposed amendment intends to reorganize the Benue State Budget and Planning Commission’s composition, structure, and operational focus in order to position it for optimal performance.
In terms of the state’s development architecture, he pointed out that the commission was essential to the creation, coordination, and oversight of development plans, policies, and goals.
In addition to formulating development goals, performing economic research, and organizing public-private partnership tasks similar to those of the National Planning Commission at the federal level, Dugeri clarified that the organization was also in charge of providing the governor with expert advising services.
“The proposed amendment is essential to better equip the commission to serve the state with these massive responsibilities,” Dugeri stated.
The second reading of the proposed amendment was seconded by Mr. Abu Umoru (PDP/Apa).
Dr. Bem Mela, the clerk, was asked to read the law a second time by Speaker Alfred Emberga.
The House Standing Committee on Appropriations was then tasked by Emberga with carefully reviewing and preparing the bill for its third reading and potential passage.
