December 03, (THEWILL) — Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun on Wednesday presented a proposed 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1,668,997,993,125.44 to the State House of Assembly.
The governor proposed N624.76bn for recurrent expenditure and N1.044tn for capital projects.
Tagged “Budget of Sustainable Legacy,” the proposal was presented during plenary presided over by Speaker Oludaisi Elemide at the State Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Breaking down the estimates, Abiodun said personnel costs would take N167.92bn; consolidated revenue charges, N65.80bn; public debt charges, N99.98bn; while overhead costs would gulp N291.06bn.
On sectoral allocation, he noted that education was allotted N275.40bn (17%), health N210.59bn (13%), housing and community development N166.96bn (10%), agriculture and industry N40.54bn (2%), while infrastructure received the highest share with N526.15bn (32%). Recreation, culture and religion were allocated N42.24bn (3%).
Other allocations include social protection with N72.82bn (4%); general public service (executive) N55.65bn (3%); general public service (financial and fiscal affairs) N52.30bn (3%); and general personnel service N3.86bn (0.2%). Public order and safety received N36bn (2%); economic affairs, N7.45bn (0.4%); judiciary, N15.70bn (1%); legislature, N33.67bn (2%); while N129.67bn (8%) was earmarked for statewide interventions.
Abiodun said the 2026 budget was designed to tackle developmental gaps and provide sustainable solutions aligned with the State Development Plan (2018–2030) and the Economic Development Strategy. He said the objectives include fiscal responsibility, stronger human capital development, improved transport systems, energy sufficiency and SME-driven industrial growth.
He described the 2026 Appropriation Bill—the seventh under his administration—as a deliberate effort to sustain and consolidate the state’s transformation. Priority areas include infrastructure expansion, education, healthcare, housing, food security, youth development, job creation and enhanced public service.
The governor said the proposal balances fiscal discipline with improved service delivery and lays a foundation for long-term investment and shared prosperity.
Reviewing the 2025 budget performance, Abiodun disclosed that as of September 30, 2025, the state had achieved 58% of its pro-rated revenue target and 52% of its pro-rated expenditure target. He projected an end-of-year performance of 70–75%, which he said would provide a solid base for the 2026 fiscal year.
He also highlighted key socio-cultural events for 2026, including the Gateway Afrobeat Drum Festival and the state’s 50th anniversary celebration, saying both would boost unity, tourism and enterprise growth.
Major capital projects for 2026 include the construction of 450km of urban and rural roads, expansion of the Ogun Light-Up Project, agro-processing facilities, school and hospital upgrades, delivery of 3,000 housing units, completion of the Gateway International Airport Terminal, and development of the Gateway International Conference and Exhibition Centre (CCEC).
Other slated projects include upgrades of stadia in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode and Ilaro; construction of a new OGIRS revenue house; completion of the 2,500-seater State Banquet Hall; rehabilitation of the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja and the Government House in Abeokuta; and PPP initiatives for the Olokola Deep Sea Port, dairy farms, a global-standard theme park and what he described as the world’s largest cotton factory, projected to employ over 250,000 people.
Abiodun said the “heart of the budget” is its commitment to improving lives and safeguarding the future of residents. He urged commissioners and accounting officers to defend their proposals transparently and ensure effective implementation.
“As we look to 2026, I am confident that with divine guidance and our collective resolve, Ogun State will continue to chart a path of sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” the governor said.
Earlier, Speaker Oludaisi Elemide commended the governor for renovating the Assembly Complex and improving lawmakers’ working environment. He noted that presenting the Appropriation Bill is a constitutional requirement to ensure prudent use of public funds.
Elemide listed some of the House’s achievements, including hosting the third edition of the NILDS Secondary School Competition on Legislature and Democracy, the Fifth Children’s Parliament maiden plenary, and the Southwest Youth Parliament.
He said the House considered 19 bills—passing 11—and approved 56 resolutions across education, finance, judiciary, sports, infrastructure, community development and transportation. He added that over 100 matters related to land, chieftaincy, environment and transport unions were amicably resolved.
Seun Shotunde, THEWILL
