The paper assessed human resource training and skill development in the Benue State Civil Service with emphasis on the contribution of training programmes to employee performance and the challenges limiting the effectiveness of manpower development. It adopted a survey research design, with data collected from primary and secondary sources. A total of 400 respondents were selected from four ministries in Benue State using the Taro Yamane sampling formula. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection, with descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages been employed for data analysis. The paper was anchored on Human Capital Theory as propounded by Schultz and Becker, which emphasizes investment in employee training and development for improved organizational productivity. The paper established that human resource training contributes significantly to skill acquisition, employee competence, adaptability to technological changes, and improved service delivery in the civil service.

However, the paper also found out that, the effectiveness of training programmes is constrained by inadequate funding, poor training facilities, weak monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, lack of qualified trainers, and absence of need-based training programmes. It concludes that, the effectiveness of practical training programmes is crucial for an improved productivity and administrative efficiency in the Benue State Civil Service. The paper therefore recommends; adequate funding, regular training needs assessment, qualified trainers, and effective monitoring mechanisms as the way forward for civil service in Benue State.