Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has presented the Ebonyi State 2026 Appropriation Bill, estimated at Eight Hundred and Eighty-Four Billion, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million, Three Hundred and Twenty-Seven Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-Nine Naira, Ninety-Four Kobo (₦884,868,327,429.94) only, to the Hallowed Chamber of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly for consideration and passage, in accordance with Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Christened “Budget of Actualisation and Hope,” the proposal comprises a Recurrent Expenditure of One Hundred and Thirty-Five Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy-Six Million, Four Thousand, Eight Hundred and Forty-Six Naira, Seventy-Two Kobo (₦135,376,004,846.72) only, and a Capital Expenditure outlay of Seven Hundred and Forty-Nine Billion, Four Hundred and Ninety-Two Million, Three Hundred and Twenty-Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Eighty-Three Naira, Twenty-Two Kobo (₦749,492,322,583.22) only.
In his address, Governor Nwifuru described the 2026 budget as not a routine fiscal exercise, but a roadmap; a compass pointing toward a future defined not by scarcity, but by possibility.
He highlighted the administration’s performance under the 2025 fiscal year, referencing significant strides in human capital development, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, peace and security, commerce and industry, and water resources. The Governor noted that Ebonyi State is moving steadily toward comprehensive and sustainable prosperity.
“Mr Speaker, distinguished Honourable Members, our beloved State has witnessed genuine progress through the judicious utilisation of the 2025 budget. We have moved from lamentation to consolidation in this 2026 budget. We have shifted from survival to recovery. And by the grace of God, we are advancing toward all-round prosperity,” he stated.
Governor Nwifuru attributed the achievements of the past year not to surplus resources, but to the collective determination, discipline, sincerity, and legislative support that have guided the state's governance.
“We achieved these milestones because we had a surplus of determination, discipline, and sincerity; supported by your unwavering legislative backing. Our
goal remains simple: to lift Ebonyi higher and ensure that every citizen feels the impact of government.”
Earlier, the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, expressed profound appreciation for the remarkable progress recorded under Governor Nwifuru’s leadership. He commended the administration for upholding the People’s Charter of Needs, whichever continues to deliver tangible dividends of democracy across the state.
“Your Excellency, the visible achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and rural development reflect a government that listens and responds to the yearnings of its citizens,” the Speaker said.
Rt. Hon. Odunwa also reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to strengthening the principles of separation of powers and interdependence, emphasizing the importance of continued public participation, especially during budget hearings. He lauded the Governor for the recent approval for the construction of official blocks/legislative offices for the twenty-four Honourable Members of the Assembly, describing it as a demonstration of genuine concern for legislative welfare.
“Your Excellency, we assure you that this House will not treat the 2026 Appropriation Bill as a mere formality. We will deploy our constitutional mandate with utmost responsibility, patriotism, and diligence to ensure its timely and thorough passage.”
A motion to accept the 2026 budget proposal as a working document of the Assembly was moved by the Leader of the House, Chief Kingsley Ikoro, and seconded by Hon. Goodluck Obinna Mbam, Member representing Izzi East State Constituency. Thereafter, the Appropriation Bill was committed to the House Committee on Appropriation for detailed legislative scrutiny.
In a special highlight of the sitting, the House stepped down its Rules to accord Governor Nwifuru a standing ovation, following a motion moved by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Onah, and seconded by Chief Onyebuchi Ogbadu, Member representing Ivo State Constituency.
The plenary was adjourned to another legislative day after a motion by the Leader of the House, Chief Kingsley Ikoro, which was seconded by Hon. Mrs. Chinyere Nwogbaga, Member representing Ebonyi North East State Constituency.
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