Okpebholo Edo 2026 budget proposal of N939.85bn focuses on security, infrastructure, agriculture and jobs in Edo State

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday presented a N939.85 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year, describing it as a decisive step to restore public confidence in governance.

Also read: Nigeria’s crude oil exports surge to ₦12.81 trillion

Governor Okpebholo laid the proposal before the Edo State House of Assembly in Benin City, marking a N335 billion increase over the N606 billion approved for the 2025 fiscal year.

Tagged Budget of Hope and Growth, the governor said the 2026 appropriation bill was designed to consolidate gains from his first year in office while expanding development efforts across the state.

He said the Okpebholo Edo 2026 budget prioritised security, infrastructure, agriculture, education, job creation and healthcare, stressing that the document reflected the pressing needs of Edo residents.

According to the governor, the proposed capital expenditure stands at N637 billion, representing 68 per cent of the budget, while recurrent expenditure is estimated at N302 billion, accounting for 32 per cent.

He said the state planned to finance the budget through N160 billion in internally generated revenue, N480 billion from Federation Account allocations, N153 billion from capital receipts and grants, and N146 billion through public private partnerships.

On sectoral allocation, the economic sector received N614.2 billion, the social sector N148.9 billion, the administrative sector N157.7 billion, and the justice sector N19 billion.

Governor Okpebholo said the administration would continue to prioritise visible capital projects, including roads, schools, hospitals, water supply, housing and other economic initiatives.

He added that the government would avoid placing unnecessary financial pressure on citizens, pledging instead to strengthen public systems and block revenue leakages.

“The vision of the 2026 Budget of Hope and Growth is simple,” the governor said. “It is to build prosperity and a united Edo State where every citizen has hope and every community feels the impact of governance.”

Also read: Former CJN Ibrahim Muhammad dies at 71, nation mourns loss

In his response, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, assured the governor that lawmakers would give the appropriation bill prompt consideration.