Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state has presented a proposed appropriation bill of ₦884,868,327,429.94 ( Eight hundred and eighty-four billion, eight hundred and sixty-eight million, three hundred and twenty-seven thousand and four hundred and twenty-nine naira, ninety-four kobo), to the State House of Assembly.
The Governor made the presentation Tuesday at the main chambers of the Assembly complex, Nkaliki road, Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
The proposal which is a 64.88 percent increase from the 2025 final budget put at Five hundred and thirty-six billion, six hundred and seventy-six million, three hundred thousand naira (N536,676,300,000.00) has a capital component of Seven Hundred and Forty-nine Billion, Four hundred and Ninety-two Million, Thre hundred and Twenty-Two Thousand, Five hundred and Eighty-three naira, Twenty-Two Kobo (₦749,492,322,583.22) representing 84.70 percent of the total proposal, and a recurrent of One Hundred and Thirty-five Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy-six Million, Four Thousand, Eight Hundred and Forty-six naira and Seventy-two Kobo (N135,376,004,846.72) representing 15.3 percent.
Under the recurrent component, Overhead cost is put at N78, 041,844,000.00 representing 8.82 percent while Personnel cost is put at N57,334,160,846.76 representing 6.48 percent of the proposal.
Governor Nwifuru in presenting the budget proposal further explained: “The sectoral budget over the total proposed 2026 budget stands at N137.4 billion for the Administrative sector, representing 15,5%, the Economic sector, N492.9 billion, representing 55,7% while N5 billion (0.57%) went to Law and Justice, N1.5 billion (0.18%) went to Regional sector, and the Social sector took N247.9 billion, representing 28.02%”.
The Governor indicated that the proposal which is the biggest ever is designed to tackle critical challenges facing the State and giving the citizens the desired governance in line with his People’s Charter of Needs mantra, adding that the increase was an indication of improvement in government policies.
He said: “The sectoral summary for personnel cost shows that personnel cost has improved significantly when compared to the 2025 actuals to the 2026 proposed budget.
“This is due to the implementation of our enhanced pay package for civil and public servants.
“The overhead sectoral summary cost reflects a slight increase in 2026 compared to 2025, due to our resolve to enhance the efficiency and productivity of our government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
“For the sectoral summary of capital cost, this increase significantly has shown the highest since the creation of the state.
“This shows an improvement in our economic status and proves the efficacy of our economic policies”. Governor Nwifuru while appreciating Ebonyi people for their support, solicited continued support from all and sundries in the state pledging to remain faithful in delivering welfare and good governance to the people of the state in line with his covenant.
On the revenue, the Governor projected that apart from an opening balance of N17 billion representing only 1.92% of the total revenue, other revenue required to drive the budget would be sourced from statutory and other Federal government allocations, Domestic Aids and grants; Internally generated revenue, including tax and non-tax, borrowings and counterpart funds, among others.
He called on the House of Assembly to give the bill expedient attention in line with the partnership of the arms of government in delivering quality governance to the people.
“Distinguished Honourable Members, today I lay before you the 2026 Appropriation Bill, crafted with the sweat, tears, dreams and aspirations of our people.
“I present it with humility, faith and hope”.
Receiving the Governor into the chambers earlier, the Speaker described the event as “the cornerstone of our shared governance; the relationship between the Legislature and the Executive in delivering excellent governance to the people of the state”.
He commended the Governor for his prudence in management of public funds and his peace initiatives in the state, thanking him for his approval for the ongoing 24 office building complex at the Assembly.
He noted that the Assembly has been diligent in their services having passed over 20 Bills with many motions under consideration.
While congratulating the Governor for his recent election as Chairman of the Forum of Former State Parliamentarians in Nigeria, he assured that the proposal to be presented would be given the deserved attention.
The proposal was accepted for legislative discussion following a motion moved by the Leader of the House, Hon.Kingsley Ikoro and seconded by Hon, Obinna Mbam.
The bill thereafter passed first and second reading at the floor of the House of Assembly before plenary was adjourned.
