Olu Samuel

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, on Tuesday, presented a budget proposal of N820,490,584 443 to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.

The 2026 budget represents an increase of N215,961,592,725, which amounts to 35.7% of the 2025 budget of N604,528,992,718.The budget estimate comprised N367,448,083,683 in recurrent expenditure and N453,042,501,760 in capital expenditure.

In his address to the Assembly, Governor Ododo noted that the 2026 budget, titled “Budget of Shared Prosperity: Driving Sustainable Growth For All,” was designed to achieve enhanced revenue mobilisation, enforce expenditure discipline, and deepen strategic investment in growth sectors.

Other objectives of the budget, according to the governor, include the aggressive repayment of federal government debts, strengthening the investment climate, encouraging collaborative investment models, blocking revenue leakages, and prioritising ongoing projects, while introducing new initiatives aligned with the state’s 32-year development plan.

He noted that these objectives will support economic growth, reduce financial pressures and create a more competitive business environment

Speaking further, Ododo said, “The 2026 budget is more than a financial statement, it is a roadmap for inclusive growth, economic diversification and shared prosperity.”

Earlier, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf appealed to Governor Ododo to support the legislature’s efforts to computerize its operations.

He also lamented the lack of qualified staff in the Assembly to meet the 200 minimum support personnel needed to provide optimal legislative services.

He applauded the Governor for his unwavering commitment to fiscal discipline, infrastructural development, security, and human capital investment across the state, adding that the notable strides recorded in healthcare, education, road infrastructure, agriculture and public financial management reflect the administration’s vision of a stable, prosperous and inclusive Kogi State.

The Speaker assured that the Assembly will continue to foster a harmonious Executive/Legislative relationship for sustaining good governance, strengthening institutions and deepening the dividends of democracy.

He assured the governor that the lawmakers were ready to give the budget accelerated yet diligent consideration, consistent with global best legislative practices.

He urged the political heads and accounting officers of ministries, Departments, and Agencies to honour invitations by standing committees for budget appraisal and defence, enabling the legislature to efficiently consider and deliberate on the Appropriation Bill.