Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, recently presented a ₦939.85 billion Appropriation Bill for 2026, titled the Budget of Hope and Growth, to the Edo State House of Assembly. This fiscal plan aims to build on achievements from 2025 and expand government programs to benefit all citizens across various sectors.
The budget allocates ₦637 billion (68%) for capital expenditure and ₦302 billion (32%) for recurrent expenditure, emphasizing a strong focus on sustainable development areas such as security, infrastructure, agriculture, education, job creation, and healthcare. Okpebholo highlighted that the capital spending is intended to accelerate development through strategic investments in essential projects like roads, schools, hospitals, and housing.
Funding for the budget will come from various sources, including an estimated ₦160 billion from Internally Generated Revenue, ₦480 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, ₦153 billion in capital receipts and grants, and ₦146 billion from Public-Private Partnerships. The governor assured residents that the government would avoid imposing financial burdens and instead focus on enhancing revenue systems and public finance management.
Sectoral allocations include:
• Economic Sector: ₦614.2 billion for agriculture, roads, urban development, and energy, with specific projects like road construction and farm estate expansions.
• Social Sector: ₦148.9 billion for education, healthcare, and youth development, targeting school renovations and healthcare facility expansions.
• Governance and Service Delivery: ₦157.7 billion for civil service reforms and digital tools deployment.
• Justice Sector: ₦19 billion for improving court systems and access to justice.
• Regional Development: Focus on grassroots empowerment and community projects.
The 2026 budget aligns with the governor’s SHINE Agenda, which prioritizes security, health, infrastructure, agriculture, and education, aiming for a prosperous and unified Edo State. Reflecting on the previous year, Okpebholo noted significant achievements in various sectors, including security improvements, healthcare system rebuilding, and substantial investments in infrastructure and education.
He acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the cooperation of the Edo State House of Assembly, traditional leaders, and civil servants in the budget presentation.
