Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has signed the state’s ₦766 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, alongside three other key pieces of legislation.
Governor Sudo described the move as a major milestone in positioning the state for sustained economic growth and institutional development.
The signing ceremony, held at the Light House in Awka, marked what the governor described as a new phase in Anambra’s fiscal management and governance framework.
The 2026 Appropriation Law was increased from an initial ₦757 billion to ₦766 billion following extensive reviews and deliberations by the Anambra State House of Assembly.
The budget is designed to stimulate economic expansion, accelerate infrastructure development and strengthen social welfare programmes across the state.
Speaking after assenting to the bill, Soludo said the budget reflects a strategic and people-centred approach to governance, aligned with his administration’s development priorities.
“This budget is more than numbers; it is a carefully crafted strategic plan to deliver on our promises to Ndi Anambra. We have prioritised what truly matters to our people by allocating resources to critical needs in our communities,” the Governor said.
Core Focus Areas
He outlined the administration’s core focus areas as economic growth, infrastructure acceleration and expanded social protection programmes, saying that the government remains committed to transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.
Soludo commended the 8th Anambra State House of Assembly for its diligence and cooperation, describing the legislature as a vital partner in the state’s development agenda.
“Our productive partnership with the House of Assembly has been crucial. Their thoroughness has helped produce laws that will accelerate Anambra’s development and prosperity. While we submitted a draft budget of ₦757 billion, the Assembly, in its wisdom, reviewed and slightly increased it to ₦766 billion. Now, we must move swiftly to implementation,” he said.
Other Laws
In addition to the budget, the governor signed three other laws: the Anambra Mission School of Nursing and Midwifery (Amendment No. 3) Law, 2025; the Tax Clearance Certificate Law, 2025; and the Anambra State Correctional Service Law, 2025.
He said the new laws further demonstrate his administration’s commitment to institutional reform, good governance and sustainable progress.
“Transparency, accountability and inclusive governance are not abstract ideals; they are the foundation of our government. These laws will create an enabling environment for effective service delivery and long-term growth,” Soludo said.
The governor was joined at the ceremony by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze; Majority Leader, Ikenna Ofodeme; other lawmakers; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Ernest Ezeajughi; the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Professor Sylva Chika Ifemeje; and the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, among other senior officials.
The newly signed budget follows Soludo’s presentation of a ₦757 billion proposal to the House of Assembly on November 25, 2025.
Tagged “Changing Gears 3.0: Solution Continues,” the proposal was described as an intensified push to consolidate the administration’s transformation agenda.
According to the governor, capital expenditure accounts for ₦595.3 billion, representing 79 per cent of the total budget, while recurrent expenditure stands at ₦161.6 billion, or 21 per cent.
The budget projects a deficit of ₦225.7 billion, to be financed through a mix of public–private partnerships, enhanced internally generated revenue, concessions and support from financial institutions.
Soludo noted that the 2026 budget represents a 24.1 per cent increase over the ₦606.99 billion 2025 budget and cited over 60 per cent budget performance in 2025, despite the challenges of an election year.
“The 2026 framework is designed to drive growth across all sectors while maintaining responsible fiscal management.
“There will be no borrowing for consumption. Every kobo will be prudently utilised to maximise value for the people of Anambra as we continue to build a prosperous, liveable and smart homeland,” Governor Soludo added.