Ekiti unveils N443.7Bn budget, reaffirms accountability

By Idowu Adebomi, Ado-Ekiti

The Ekiti State Government has released the detailed breakdown of its 2026 budget, titled “Impactful Governance,” while reaffirming its dedication to fiscal accountability, transparency, and people-oriented administration.

During a public presentation at the Lady Jibowu Hall in Ado-Ekiti, the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Olufemi Ajayi, assured stakeholders that the budget is structured to deliver shared prosperity in line with the administration’s six-pillar agenda.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji assented to the budget on December 23, 2025, following its presentation to the State House of Assembly in October.

Ajayi noted that the fiscal plan adopts a Zero-Based Budgeting approach aligned with the Ekiti State 30-Year Development Plan to ensure sustainability.

Key priorities include the completion of the Ekiti State International Cargo Airport and Phase One of the Ring Road, alongside the rehabilitation of township roads and sustained support for agriculture, arts, education, and tourism.

The state also plans to establish a trading and aggregation entity to stimulate economic growth.

Providing the financial specifics, Ajayi disclosed a total budget size of ₦443,767,840,000. On the revenue side, the government projects ₦145.36 billion from statutory allocation, ₦78.35 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT), and ₦55.92 billion from independent revenue sources.

The expenditure breakdown allocates ₦62.63 billion (28 percent) to personnel costs and ₦105.48 billion (48 percent) to overheads, while ₦184.83 billion (24 percent) is earmarked for capital expenditure projects.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo, described the presentation as a vital engagement tool, ensuring citizens understand the government's direction.

He reiterated that the administration remains responsive to the needs of residents and will not compromise on policies promoting public welfare.

The event was attended by commissioners, special advisers, the Head of Service, permanent secretaries, and other top officials.