Governor Ahmed Ododo on Tuesday presented a budget proposal of N820.49 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.

Presenting the Appropriation Bill in Lokoja, Mr Ododo said N470 billion was proposed for recurrent expenditure, while N350.5 billion was allocated for capital expenditure.

He added that the proposal also included a surplus capital development fund of N102.5 billion.

The governor said the 2026 budget, tagged ‘Budget of shared prosperity: driving sustainable growth for all’, was anchored on fiscal self-reliance, restructuring of the internally generated revenue framework, and the adoption of innovative financing strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.

He commended the speaker and members of the assembly for their partnership, diligence and unwavering commitment to the progress of the state, noting that their legislative support and oversight had continued to strengthen the administration’s agenda for sustainable prosperity.

Mr Ododo outlined key priority areas for 2026, including human capital development; youth and women’s empowerment through skills development and innovation; and education, with an emphasis on expanding access and improving quality to build a globally competitive workforce.

He said the administration would also take decisive action in the health sector to improve access to quality care and strengthen health outcomes, and to invest in infrastructure such as transport systems, housing, and airport services to boost productivity.

Other priority sectors, he said, include agriculture to deepen food security and agribusiness expansion; water resources and sanitation to improve access to clean water; revenue generation to boost IGR for greater fiscal independence; and peace and security to maintain a stable environment necessary for economic growth.

“These sectoral priorities will stimulate enterprise, generate employment and expand opportunities for youths, women and small businesses,” the governor said.

“While Federation Account allocations remain important, our focus is on fiscal self-reliance. We are restructuring the IGR framework and adopting innovative financing options to strengthen long-term sustainability,” he added.

Speaker Umar Yusuf assured that the assembly would continue to foster a harmonious executive-legislative relationship, noting that such collaboration was essential for sustaining good governance and deepening the dividends of democracy.

He commended the governor for granting the legislature full autonomy, describing it as a clear demonstration of his respect for the assembly’s independence.

“This singular act has further strengthened accountability, transparency and the institutional capacity of this Honourable House to discharge its constitutional duties without hindrance,” Mr Yusuf said.

(NAN)