Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has presented the state’s 2026 budget estimate of N820.490 billion to the State House of Assembly.
Presenting the budget today at the State Assembly Complex, Lokoja, Governor Ododo highlighted the state’s economic outlook, projecting a 6.2% growth in agricultural output, 4.7% industrial growth, and a rise in SME contribution to GDP from 24% to 27%.
He also emphasized the creation of over 250,000 jobs through capital projects, agricultural programs, and MSME interventions.
The Governor thanked the citizens of Kogi State for their resilience and support, acknowledging the challenges posed by the global economic pressures.
He assured that the budget prioritizes human capital development, education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and agriculture, with a focus on food security and agribusiness expansion.
The budget estimate is made up of recurrent expenditure of N470.008 billion while capital expenditure is N453.042 billion, bringing the total 2026 budget estimate to N820.490billion.
The 2026 budget estimate of N820.490 billion represents an increase of N215,961,592,725 or 36.7 per cent on the 2025 revised budget of N604,528,992,.718 billion
Ododo said the budget estimate is more than a financial statement but a roadmap for inclusive growth, economic diversification and shared prosperity.
He explained that the vision of the budget is to create an economy that works for every citizen, one that rewards productivity, encourages innovation, and uplifts the vulnerables.
Governor Ododo urged the lawmakers to expeditiously consider and approve the budget proposal which he described as pro-people.
Speaking, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf commended the unwavering commitment of the governor to fiscal discipline, infrastructural development, security, and human capital investment across the state.
“The notable strides recorded in healthcare, education, road infrastructure, agriculture and public financial management continue to reflect your administration’s vision of a stable, prosperous and inclusive Kogi State,” he said.
The Speaker also praised the governor for demonstrating remarkable dedication to improving the living condition of the people of Kogi State through provision of essential social services, thereby cushioning the effects of prevailing economic challenges for the citizens.
Yusuf then reaffirmed the resolve of the 8th Kogi State House of Assembly to continue to foster harmonious Executive-Legislative relationship.
‘This synergy is essential for sustaining good governance, strengthening institutions and deepening the dividends of democracy for our citizens,” he said.
He said the presentation of the 2026 Budget estimates “provides the Legislature with the opportunity to carefully evaluate the performance of Year 2025 Approved Budget and assess the priorities of government for the coming year and ensure they truly reflect the aspirations of our people.
“As always, this Honourable House remains committed to a budget review process that is thorough, transparent, people-centred and development-driven.
“We assure Your Excellency of our readiness to give the budget accelerated, yet, diligent consideration, consistent with global best legislative practices.”
