Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has officially enacted the state's financial plan for the 2026 fiscal year, signing the Appropriation Bill valued at over five hundred and twenty-four billion naira into law.
A Breakdown of the N524.4 Billion Budget
The governor performed the signing ceremony at the Executive Council Chamber within the Governor's Office in Akure, the state capital, on the evening of Monday, December 29, 2025. The budget, christened the 'Budget of Economic Consolidation', has a total size of N524,410,590,939.
Out of this sum, N220,830,941,200 is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, which covers day-to-day operational costs. A larger portion, N303,579,649,739, is allocated to capital projects, signaling the administration's focus on development. Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that the budget is a strategic response to the current economic conditions in Nigeria.
Sectoral Focus and Implementation Charge
The governor provided details on the sectoral distribution, highlighting significant allocations to key areas designed to drive growth. Infrastructure, health, and education are set to receive the lion's share of the capital expenditure. Other critical sectors benefiting include agricultural development, trade and industry, environment and sewage management, and energy.
Aiyedatiwa issued a direct charge to all ministries, departments, and agencies of the state government. He instructed them to strictly align their programs with the provisions of the new budget and to ensure the timely, prudent, and efficient execution of all projects and services.
A Covenant for Shared Prosperity
The governor framed the 2026 budget as more than just a financial document; he described it as a covenant between the government and the people of Ondo State. It represents a promise of responsible governance and shared prosperity. He urged citizens to take ownership of the process and actively participate in monitoring the implementation of projects.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his gratitude to the Ondo State House of Assembly for their expeditious and meticulous consideration of the appropriation bill. He praised their work as a demonstration of a shared vision and a strong partnership in serving the public. Special commendation was given to the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, and his team, as well as the officials of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget for their technical expertise.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, commended the governor for his transformative projects across the state, particularly in enhancing the appearance of Akure. The Speaker also listed legislative achievements, including bills passed to prohibit kidnapping, regulate community activities, and establish a State Road Fund.
In his concluding remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa called on all stakeholders to collaborate with his administration to ensure the budget is effectively implemented. The goal is to make 2026 a year of genuine consolidation, growth, and inclusive development for all residents of Ondo State.
