Ondo Gov presents N492.8bn 2026 budget to State Assembly

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Monday presented a N492.8 billion appropriation bill to the State House of Assembly for the 2026 fiscal year.

Tagged the “Budget of Economic Consolidation,” the proposal earmarks N167.5 billion for recurrent expenditure, while capital expenditure is projected at N281.99 billion.

While addressing the 26-member Assembly, Aiyedatiwa noted that the 2026 budget represents a significant improvement on the 2025 fiscal plan.

He said the state is transitioning from a phase of restoration to one focused on sustaining and consolidating its economic gains.

Aiyedatiwa said, “The 2025 Budget was christened the Budget of Recovery to focus on stabilising critical sectors, restoring essential services and reviving public confidence after a period of fiscal strain.

“Having laid this solid foundation and achieved measurable gains, particularly in infrastructure rehabilitation, service delivery and public financial management, the State is now positioned to deepen these achievements by strengthening revenue structures, accelerating growth-driven investments and institutionalising reforms.

“The title of 2026 Budget of Economic Consolidation is aptly justified as the natural progression from previous years’ activities and, therefore, reflects a deliberate shift from mere restoration to sustained consolidation of economic gains, ensuring that the progress recorded in 2025 matures into long-term prosperity, resilience and inclusive development for the people of Ondo State.”

Aiyedatiwa, who expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders for their support in the outgoing year and contributions during the 2026 budget consultative meetings which “greatly enriched this budget and enhanced its impact.”

“We hope the 2026 Budget will receive the same careful consideration from this honourable House, while the executive remains committed to its timely and effective implementation. We anticipate that 2026 will bring significant progress, prosperity and well-being to our citizens.”

In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Olamide Oladiji, said the budget would be given due consideration.

“This 2026 budget was aimed at consolidating the 2025 budget and improving the standard of living of our people. It is a blueprint for the better future of Ondo State. The house would conduct a thorough scrutiny of the budget,” Oladiji stated.

Very Nigerian earlier reported that the speaker raised the alarm that some members of the House are allegedly working towards frustrating the efforts of Governor Aiyedatiwa from delivering dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

The development signalled that the ongoing cold war among the members of the Assembly who are all members of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

While 14 members are on the same page with the speaker running the affairs of the House, 12 were alleged to have stayed away following grievances.

However, at the plenary on Monday, Oladiji, in his remarks, disclosed that the matter had been resolved amicably following the intervention of Governor Aiyedatiwa.

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