ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Friday presented a N415.57 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.
The 2026 budget, titled “Budget of Impactful Governance,” is designed to consolidate the gains and achievements of Oyebanji’s administration over the past three years.
According to the governor, the budget comprises a Recurrent Expenditure of N221.87 billion representing 53% of the total and a Capital Expenditure of N193.70 billion, amounting to 46% of the overall estimate.
The proposal marks an 11% increase over the N375.79 billion budget for 2025, which had N252.15 billion allocated to recurrent expenses and N104.5 billion to capital projects.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti during the budget presentation, Oyebanji said the proposal prioritises the completion of ongoing infrastructural projects across the state.
He stated that “the budget will also focus on investing in agriculture and related value chains and would address wealth creation as well as welfare of the people to further ensure the fulfillment of the Shared Prosperity agenda of his administration.”
The governor added, “Distinguished honourable members, without any fear of contradiction, I make bold to say that our administration has demonstrated a high level of fiscal discipline and prudence in the utilization of our commonwealth to implement laudable developmental projects.
“These projects are not only impactful; they will set our state on the path of realizing the shared prosperity vision. I, therefore, affirm my commitment to continued fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability.
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“To further promote good governance, we have designed a framework for effective policy formulation and implementation that would further boost the economy of our dear State.
We have also institutionalized several fiscal reforms at the State and the Local Government levels for quality service delivery. These reforms are already paying off.”
Oyebanji expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu “for his very strong support to the government and the people of Ekiti State,” adding that the president’s backing “has translated to several interventions and has been very helpful in the quest to alleviate poverty in the state and in the delivery of his campaign promises to Ekiti people.”
Reviewing the performance of the 2025 budget, the governor said he was satisfied with its implementation, noting that several developmental projects such as road construction and rehabilitation, and the renovation of eight general hospitals were executed under it.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, assured that lawmakers would scrutinise the 2026 budget with diligence and fairness to ensure it reflects the aspirations of Ekiti people.
He urged fellow legislators to act with integrity and a shared sense of responsibility, saying, “With united effort, we can sustain the momentum of reforms, catalyze inclusive growth, and build an Ekiti State where opportunity is within reach for all.”
Aribasoye also called on heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to be prepared to explain their budget components when summoned by the House.
The 2025 Ekiti budget stood at N375.79 billion, with N252.15 billion allocated for recurrent expenditure and N104.5 billion for capital projects.