The Edo State Government has defended the proposed ₦939.85 billion 2026 budget, describing it as a people-focused fiscal plan aimed at rebuilding infrastructure, creating jobs and improving social services across the state.
The Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor, made this known on Sunday while briefing journalists on the details of the 2026 Appropriation Bill recently presented to the State House of Assembly by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Okoebor said the budget aligns with the governor’s SHINE Agenda, which prioritises Security, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and Education. According to him, the administration has moved beyond routine budgeting to a results-driven approach that targets inclusive growth and long-term economic stability.
“The 2026 budget represents a deliberate shift towards impact-driven public finance. It is designed to accelerate infrastructure renewal, expand employment opportunities and strengthen social services across Edo State,” he said.
He explained that sectors capable of boosting productivity, reducing inequality and bringing underserved communities into the economic mainstream were deliberately prioritised.
Infrastructure received the largest allocation, with ₦420.62 billion earmarked for the sector. Out of this, over ₦305 billion will be spent on road construction and rehabilitation.
Okoebor noted that Governor Okpebholo believes improved road networks will ease the movement of people and goods, reduce business costs and improve access to schools, healthcare facilities and markets, particularly in rural areas.
Agriculture was allocated ₦68 billion, reflecting the administration’s commitment to food security, job creation and rural development. The commissioner said the funding also supports livestock development through a dedicated ministry, which will help address farmer–herder conflicts while strengthening agricultural value chains.
In the social sector, the budget provides for the recruitment of teachers and health workers, alongside continued investment in schools and healthcare facilities. Okoebor said these measures are aimed at addressing manpower shortages and improving service delivery in both urban and rural communities.
Job creation is another major focus of the 2026 budget, with ₦116.46 billion set aside for employment-related programmes. The commissioner explained that the funds are expected to generate jobs through infrastructure projects, agriculture and expanded government activities.
The budget also allocates ₦8.9 billion to social welfare programmes targeting women, youths, children and other vulnerable groups, as part of efforts to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
On transparency and accountability, Okoebor said the state government has strengthened oversight mechanisms through improved procurement processes, the adoption of e-procurement systems, regular publication of budget implementation reports and the activation of a Project Monitoring Unit.
He added that Governor Okpebholo’s decision to tag the proposal as a “Budget of Hope and Growth” reflects the administration’s confidence that the plan will deliver tangible results, including completed roads, new jobs, improved schools and better healthcare services across the state.
Governor Okpebholo had earlier presented the ₦939.85 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Edo State House of Assembly, explaining that it was designed to build on the gains of the 2025 budget while expanding the reach of government programmes.
A breakdown of the proposal shows capital expenditure of ₦637 billion, representing 68 per cent of the total budget, while recurrent expenditure stands at ₦302 billion, accounting for 32 per cent.
The governor said the strong emphasis on capital spending demonstrates his administration’s determination to fast-track development through strategic investments in roads, schools, hospitals, water supply, housing and other high-impact projects.
He disclosed that the budget will be funded through Internally Generated Revenue estimated at ₦160 billion, Federation Account Allocation Committee disbursements projected at ₦480 billion, capital receipts and grants of ₦153 billion, ₦146 billion from Public-Private Partnerships, and other viable revenue sources.
Advertisement
