Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has presented a proposed budget of N1.67 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.
Of the amount, N624.76 billion was proposed for recurrent expenditure, while N1.044 trillion was allocated to capital projects.
Governor Abiodun explained that the 2026 budget, tagged “Budget of Sustainable Legacy,” was designed to address developmental challenges and implement sustainable solutions across all sectors.
He stated that the expenditure plan aligns with the State Development Plan (2018–2030) and the Economic Development Strategy, focusing on fiscal responsibility, human capital development, a competitive business environment, improved transport infrastructure, energy sufficiency, and SME-driven industrialisation.
Breaking down the 2026 fiscal expenditure plan, the Governor said personnel costs would take N167.92 billion, consolidated revenue charges N65.80 billion, public debt charges N99.98 billion, and overhead costs N291.06 billion, with N1.044 trillion earmarked for capital projects.
On sectoral allocations, education would receive N275.40 billion (17%), health N210.59 billion (13%), housing and community development N166.96 billion (10%), agriculture and industry N40.54 billion (2%), and infrastructure N526.15 billion (32%). Recreation, culture and religion were allocated N42.24 billion (3%).
Other allocations included social protection N72.82 billion (4%), general public service – executive organ N55.65 billion (3%), general public service – financial and fiscal affairs N52.30 billion (3%), and general personnel service N3.86 billion (0.2%).
Public order and safety was allotted N36 billion (2%), economic affairs N7.45 billion (0.4%), judiciary N15.70 billion (1%), legislature N33.67 billion (2%), with the remaining N129.67 billion (8%) reserved for state-wide interventions.
According to the governor, the 2026 Appropriation Bill, being the seventh in his administration, represented a deliberate effort to sustain, deepen and consolidate the State’s transformative agenda.
He noted that the proposals struck a balance between fiscal discipline and improved service delivery, ensuring that resources were deployed effectively to stimulate economic growth, reduce inequality and improve the living standards of all residents.
Appraisal of 2025 Budget
Giving an appraisal of the performance of the outgoing 2025 Budget, Governor Abiodun revealed that by 30th September 2025, the State had recorded 58% of its pro‑rated revenue target and 52% of its pro‑rated expenditure target.
He described this performance as evidence of fiscal discipline and a solid foundation while expressing optimism that by year-end, the State’s overall budget performance would reach between 70 and 75%, providing a stronger financial base for the 2026 Budget.
On key programmes for the next fiscal year, the Governor stated that the State would organise 2026 Gateway Afrobeat Drum Festival and the forthcoming 50th Anniversary of the State; describing both as major socio-cultural and economic events expected to unite citizens, boost tourism, promote creativity, attract investment and stimulate enterprise development.
He further outlined major capital projects for the next financial year to include the construction of 450km of urban and rural roads; expansion of the Ogun Light-Up Project, development of agro-processing facilities, construction and rehabilitation of school infrastructure, upgrading of hospitals and health centres, delivery of 3,000 new housing units, completion of the new Gateway International Airport Terminal and the development of the Gateway International Conference and Exhibition Centre.
According to him, “beyond figures, the heart of the budget lies in its commitment to improving lives and safeguarding the future of residents.”
For his part, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, while acknowledging that the presentation of the Appropriation Bill was a constitutional provision meant to ensure prudent utilisation of public funds, stressed the need for timely submission of budget proposals by heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government ahead of the 2026 budget defence sessions.
Elemide assured the executive that the Legislature would ensure speedy consideration and passage of the appropriation bill, and sustain collaboration with other arms of government to enhance people’s welfare and overall progress of the State.
Olusola Akintonde