Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has formally presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill, valued at N644,004,816,893, to the State House of Assembly. The presentation took place on Monday, December 22, 2025, marking a critical step in the state's fiscal planning for the coming year.
A Budget of Consolidation and Sustained Growth
Dubbed the "Budget of Consolidation and Sustained Growth," the fiscal plan allocates a significant 65.98% to capital expenditure, with the remaining 34.02% designated for recurrent spending. Governor AbdulRazaq stated that the recurrent portion is earmarked for social protection programmes supporting the poor and enhancing workers' welfare.
In his address, the Governor emphasised that the budget's primary focus will be on completing ongoing capital projects and initiating new ones that align with Kwara's strategic development needs. He expressed confidence that these projects would expand the state's economic base, create a more business-friendly environment, generate jobs, and free up resources for deeper social interventions.
Key Allocations and Economic Projections
The budget is built on specific national economic assumptions for 2026, including an oil price benchmark of $64.85 per barrel, daily oil production of 1.84 million barrels, an exchange rate of N1,400 to the US dollar, and a projected GDP growth rate of 4.68%.
Significant highlights of the budget proposal include:
- Enhanced security investments in hardware, vehicles, and technology to combat kidnapping and criminal activities.
- The implementation of a new Teachers Salary Allowance (TSA) in 2026 to support educators.
- Massive investment in the Alfalfa Estate project aimed at reducing herder-farmer clashes, boosting food security, and empowering citizens within the agricultural value chain.
- A salary adjustment for Medical Officers to attract and retain healthcare professionals.
- Continued development of projects to solidify Kwara's position as a leading service, creative, and tech economy in Northern Nigeria.
Building on Past Achievements
Governor AbdulRazaq highlighted the successes of the 2025 fiscal year, providing a foundation for the new budget. Notable achievements he recalled include:
- Completion of 38 roads and 29 interlock access lanes across the state, with an additional 264.202 km of roads at various completion stages.
- Delivery of the Innovation Hub, which has reportedly grown the state's tech economy by over $20 million.
- Significant progress on major projects like the Kwara Hotel, International Conference Centre, Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hospital, and both campuses of Kwara State University in Osi and Ilesha Baruba.
- Commencement of construction at the Kwara Smart City and the permanent site of the Kwara State University of Education.
The Governor urged the House of Assembly to expedite legislative action on the bill, describing the 2026 budget as critical for his administration's legacy.
Legislative Reception and Commendation
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, commended the Governor for his respect for the separation of powers, transparency, and dedication to duty. He praised the administration's fiscal discipline and the visible projects executed across infrastructure, agriculture, and food security sectors.
The Speaker assured that the House would give the budget proposal urgent attention, engage with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and ensure the final appropriation reflects the state's priorities.
The budget presentation session was attended by key dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, House of Representatives member Raheem Tunji Olawuyi, Grand Kadi Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, cabinet members, and first-class traditional rulers led by the Etsu Patigi, Ibrahim Umar Bologi II.
