Ondo Gov’t increases 2026 budget to address road, water, healthcare projects

The Ondo State Government has raised the 2026 budget from N524.411 billion to N769.384 billion, with the additional resources targeted at roads, water, healthcare and other critical infrastructure across the state.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Olaolu Akindolire, disclosed this after the State Executive Council meeting, saying the increase was driven by the administration’s intensified infrastructure drive.

He said the revised budget would provide the funding required to sustain ongoing projects and respond to emerging development needs.

The review followed a mid-year assessment of the 2026 Appropriation Law, which was assented to on December 29, 2025, and took effect on January 1, 2026.

The revised budget has been sent to the Ondo State House of Assembly for ratification.

According to Akindolire, the first and second quarter budget implementation appraisal reports showed varying performance among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), with some recording increased demands and nearing their approved provisions, while others experienced slower utilisation due to implementation challenges.

He said the review was aimed at realigning provisions, addressing funding gaps and improving implementation in the remaining months of the year.

As part of the infrastructure push, he said Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa had directed that at least five kilometres of roads be constructed in each of the 18 local government areas before the end of 2026, amounting to a minimum of 90 kilometres.

He said the projects are expected to improve connectivity, ease the movement of agricultural produce, link communities with markets, schools and healthcare facilities, and stimulate economic activity in urban and rural areas.

“The revised budget also makes additional funding provision for the Adegbola–St. Mathias flyover along Oba Adesida Road in Alagbaka, Akure.

“Water and healthcare have also received additional funding, with anticipated development financing expected to support projects aimed at improving access to reliable potable water, while the healthcare allocation is expected to strengthen service delivery and respond to emerging needs,” he stated.

The council also approved the appointment of Prof Thompson Akinyele Akinifesi as the pioneer Ekingbade of Bolorunduro in Ondo East Local Government Area.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the appointment would usher in a new era in the community, which is the headquarters of Bolorunduro Local Government.

The council equally approved the appointment of warrant chiefs to facilitate the processes for the selection of new traditional rulers in Ikun Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area; Ute, Ose Local Government Area; and Ero, Ifedore Local Government Area.

The appointments are to facilitate the emergence of a new Olokun of Ikun Akoko, Olute of Ute and Ekiri of Ero.

Takuro said the government remains committed to ensuring the smooth installation of traditional rulers in communities ready to select new obas without undue interference.

Reiterating the decisions made by the council, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, said the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa will continue to give priority to the infrastructural development of the state.