Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru on Tuesday presented a proposed budget of ₦884,868,327,429.95 for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.
The proposed budget allocates ₦135,376,004,846.72 for recurrent expenditure, while capital expenditure is set at ₦749,492,322,583.22.
Governor Nwifuru noted that the 2026 budget represents a 64.88 per cent increase over the current year’s appropriation, reflecting his administration’s commitment to advancing the People’s Charter of Needs.
Sectoral Allocation
A breakdown of the budget shows:
- Administrative Sector: ₦137.4 billion (15.5%)
- Economic Sector: ₦492.9 billion (55.7%)
- Law and Justice: ₦5 billion (0.57%)
- Regional Sector: ₦1.5 billion (0.18%)
- Social Sector: ₦247.9 billion (28.02%)
Governor Nwifuru explained that personnel costs rose significantly compared with 2025 actuals due to the implementation of an enhanced pay package for civil and public servants. He also noted a slight increase in overhead costs to improve efficiency across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
‘Budget of Actualisation and Hope’
Presenting the budget titled “Budget of Actualisation and Hope”, Nwifuru said the state had recorded meaningful progress through prudent management of the 2025 budget.
“We have moved from lamentation to consolidation in this 2026 budget. We have shifted from survival to recovery. By God’s grace, we are advancing toward all-round prosperity,” he said.
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He emphasised that despite economic challenges, his administration remains focused on improving the living standards of all Ebonyians through discipline, determination, and strategic governance.
Legislative Action
Following the presentation, the Leader of the House, Hon. Ogbonna Ikporo, moved that the Assembly dissolve into the Committee of the Whole to deliberate on the bill. The budget proposal subsequently passed its first and second readings.
Speaker Rt Hon. Moses Odunwa thereafter committed the bill to the Appropriation Committee for further scrutiny ahead of its final passage.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
