…Targets revenue growth, infrastructure expansion, fiscal discipline
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has approved a draft budget of N820.49 billion for the 2026 fiscal year, tagged “Budget of Shared Prosperity.”
The figure marks a 35.7 percent increase from the 2025 revised budget, reflecting the administration’s renewed focus on sustainable growth and inclusive development.
Briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting in Lokoja, Commissioner for Finance, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, said the budget is built on five strategic pillars, boosting internal revenue, strengthening debt recovery, enhancing the business environment, deepening public-private partnerships, and ensuring project completion across key sectors.
Idris stated: “The 2026 budget proposals reflect a robust and balanced financial strategy emphasising enhanced revenue generation, strategic expenditure control, and a strong commitment to capital investment.
“The significant increase in both recurrent revenue and capital expenditure underscores the government’s determination to expand infrastructure and improve service delivery. Effective monitoring of revenue inflows and strict fiscal discipline will be critical to achieving the desired outcomes.”
According to him, both the total estimated revenue and expenditure stand at N820,490,585,443 — a balanced fiscal projection aimed at strengthening accountability and execution efficiency.
Commissioner for Information, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, also disclosed that the administration is intensifying efforts to combat insecurity and consolidate peace across the state. He said Governor Ododo has directed all commissioners to sink three boreholes each in their respective local government areas to improve access to clean water.
Fanwo added that the Council approved reforms empowering the state to take full authority over land consent and documentation to curb fraudulent land transactions.
The inclusive meeting, which also featured former commissioners, underscored Governor Ododo’s commitment to unity and continuity in governance.
Former Commissioner for Works, Honourable Salisu Sani Ogu, commended the governor’s leadership style, noting that “he has shown a desire to carry everyone along and build on the foundation laid since 2016.”