Edo State Governor Sen. Monday Okpebholo on Tuesday presented a N939.85 billion budget proposal for 2026, which he described as the Budget of Hope and Growth, aimed at stimulating economic development across the state.
The budget allocates N637 billion, or 68 per cent, to capital projects, while N302 billion, representing 32 per cent, is earmarked for recurrent expenditure. Okpebholo said his administration would continue prioritising infrastructure and economic projects, including roads, schools, hospitals, water, housing, and other growth-oriented initiatives.
Funding for the budget is expected from multiple sources, including N160 billion from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), N480 billion from Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations, N153 billion from anticipated capital receipts and grants, N146 billion from Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and other available revenue channels.
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According to the governor, N614.2 billion is dedicated to the economic sector, covering agriculture, roads, transport, urban development, and energy. Priority projects include rural and urban road construction, completion of two flyovers, drainage works, urban renewal, expansion of farm estates and irrigation schemes, and support for markets, small businesses, and industrial clusters.
The social sector is allocated N148.9 billion to cover education, health, youth development, women affairs, and social welfare. Okpebholo highlighted plans for school renovations, teacher recruitment and training, expansion of primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities, youth skills development, sports and entrepreneurship programs, as well as support for women, children, and vulnerable groups.
Other allocations include administration, the justice sector, regional development, and support for local government administration.
“The 2026 Budget of Hope and Growth is designed to build on the foundation laid in 2025. It is a budget that addresses the real needs of our people, focusing on security, infrastructure, agriculture, education, job creation, and healthcare,” the governor said.
He added, “We will not impose unnecessary financial pressure on citizens. Instead, we will strengthen systems and block leakages.”
Governor Okpebholo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support and national reforms, which he said have improved revenue flows to all states.
