The Edo State Government has said the 2026 Appropriation Bill presented to the State House of Assembly is structured to prioritise infrastructure development, job creation and improved accountability in public spending.
The Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor, stated this while briefing journalists on the details of the proposed budget.
He noted that the proposed budget aligns with the governor’s SHINE Agenda, which focuses on security, healthcare, infrastructure, natural resources and agriculture, and education.
Okoebor said the administration designed the budget to move beyond routine fiscal planning, with emphasis on outcomes and service delivery.
“The 2026 budget represents a strategic shift from routine fiscal planning to impact-driven public finance,” he said.
According to him, infrastructure received the highest allocation, with N420.62bn earmarked for the sector, out of which over ₦305bn is allocated for road construction and rehabilitation.
He said the government believes improved road networks would ease the movement of goods and people, reduce transaction costs, and improve access to markets, healthcare, and education, especially in rural areas.
On agriculture, Okoebor said N68bn was allocated to the sector to support food security, job creation and rural development, including livestock development through a dedicated ministry.
He added that the budget makes provision for the recruitment of teachers and health workers, alongside continued investment in schools and healthcare facilities to address manpower gaps.
According to the commissioner, N116.46bn has been set aside for job creation programmes, while ₦8.9bn has been allocated to social welfare initiatives targeting women, youths, children, and other vulnerable groups.
Okoebor also said the government has strengthened oversight mechanisms through improved procurement processes, the introduction of e-procurement systems, regular publication of budget implementation reports and the activation of a Project Monitoring Unit.
He said Governor Monday Okpebholo named the 2026 Appropriation Bill the “Budget of Hope and Growth,” expressing confidence that it would translate into completed projects and improved service delivery across the state.
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