Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday presented a ₦939.85 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill, tagged the “Budget of Hope and Growth,” to the Edo State House of Assembly during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.
According to a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebojele Akhere Patrick, the governor commended the Assembly for its cooperation, noting that the smooth implementation of the 2025 Budget translated into tangible benefits for residents of the state.
Governor Okpebholo said the 2025 fiscal year recorded strong performance in both capital and recurrent expenditure, while Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) improved significantly following the blocking of leakages and strengthened revenue collection systems. He explained that the achievements of his first year in office shaped the priorities of the 2026 budget.
On security, the governor declared that his administration is determined to ensure Edo State is no longer a haven for criminals. He recalled that before his assumption of office, the state witnessed rampant cult killings, kidnapping, robbery and cybercrime, with over 300 cult-related killings recorded in 2024. Measures taken include the enactment of a stronger anti-cultism law, the provision of 80 Hilux patrol vehicles and 400 motorcycles, and the recruitment and deployment of 2,500 personnel into the Edo State Security Corps—steps he said have drastically reduced insecurity.
In the health sector, Okpebholo said his administration is rebuilding a previously collapsed system through the construction of new Primary Health Centres, provision of diagnostic equipment, and the ongoing construction of a 150-bed Specialist Hospital in Edo Central.
On infrastructure, the governor disclosed that 28 new road projects covering 255 kilometres have been awarded, including the construction of two flyovers in Benin City at Ramat Park and Sapele Road by Adesuwa Junction, the first flyovers in the state’s history. Several community roads are also under construction to improve connectivity.
The governor revealed that agriculture received a major boost, with the sector’s budget expanded from ₦6.9 billion to ₦57 billion, following encouragement from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said over 400 hectares of farmland have been cultivated, with harvesting already underway across multiple farm clusters to combat food insecurity.
In education, Okpebholo announced the recruitment of 5,000 permanent teachers and the upgrade of 63 schools to modern standards. He also disclosed increased monthly subventions to tertiary institutions, raising Ambrose Alli University’s allocation from ₦41 million to ₦500 million, and Edo State University, Iyamoh, from ₦25 million to ₦250 million.
Addressing economic growth and job creation, the governor said his administration inherited significant foreign and local debts but has begun reducing the burden. He disclosed that over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs have been created, alongside the launch of a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for market women and traders.
On governance and institutional reforms, Okpebholo said public confidence has been restored through the swearing-in of three previously sidelined judges, the re-establishment of customary courts, and the strengthening of traditional institutions to enhance cooperation at all levels.
He explained that the ₦939.85 billion budget comprises ₦637 billion (68%) for capital expenditure and ₦302 billion (32%) for recurrent expenditure, underscoring the administration’s commitment to people-oriented development.
Funding sources include projected IGR of ₦160 billion, FAAC allocations of ₦480 billion, capital receipts and grants of ₦153 billion, Public-Private Partnerships valued at ₦146 billion, and other revenue streams.
Sectoral allocations show the economic sector received the largest share of ₦614.2 billion, followed by the administration sector with ₦157.7 billion, the social sector with ₦148.9 billion, and the justice sector with ₦19 billion, alongside provisions for regional development and support to local governments.
Governor Okpebholo said the 2026 Budget is anchored on the administration’s SHINE Agenda—Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources/Agriculture, and Education—and aims to build a prosperous and united Edo State.
The plenary was attended by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.; former deputy governors; members of the State Executive Council; traditional rulers; civil society groups; and the media.
The governor thanked President Tinubu for reforms that have boosted state revenues and formally presented the ₦939.85 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill to the House for consideration and approval.
