Governor Alex Otti has signed into law the Abia State 2026 Appropriation Bill, marking a historic fiscal milestone as the state’s budget exceeds the one-trillion-naira mark for the first time.
The 2026 budget, totaling ₦1.02 trillion, was signed yesterday, following its swift passage by the State House of Assembly.
Assenting to the bill presented by Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa, Otti pledged that his administration is committed to implementing the “Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities” to the letter.
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The 2026 fiscal plan is characterized by a massive shift toward infrastructure and human capital development, with 80% of the total outlay allocated to capital expenditure.
The budget allocated ₦811.81 billion, representing 80%, to capital expenditure, while ₦204.41 billion, or 20%, was set aside for recurrent expenditure.
Otti said the spending ratio reflected his administration’s empowerment-driven philosophy of creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive while investing in critical social infrastructure.
He noted that the government was committed to legitimately empowering citizens by providing the conditions needed for productivity and growth.
The budget prioritised three key sectors aimed at transforming the state’s socio-economic landscape.
A total of ₦169.3 billion was earmarked for road infrastructure, focusing on aggressive construction and rehabilitation to open up economic corridors.
The education sector received 20% of the total budget, with provisions for the construction of 17 model schools, three technical colleges, and the establishment of ICT laboratories in more than 100 public schools.
The health sector was allocated 15% of the budget, targeted at renovating seven general hospitals and equipping 23 public health facilities across the state.
At the signing ceremony held at the governor’s residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Otti commended the Abia State House of Assembly for its diligence and thorough scrutiny of the budget.
He described the extensive engagements between the executive and legislature as a true reflection of democratic practice, noting that the Assembly’s attention to detail helped strengthen governance and accountability.
Emeruwa said lawmakers were pleased to be part of what he described as the state’s accelerated development, adding that Governor Otti had significantly changed Abia State’s narrative within 30 months in office.
To fund the budget, the state projected an Internally Generated Revenue of ₦223.4 billion.
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Otti reiterated that all recurrent expenditure would be financed solely through IGR, while any borrowing would be strictly directed towards capital projects capable of repaying such loans in the long term.
The event was attended by senior government officials, including the Deputy Speaker, Austin Nmeregini, the Chief of Staff, and members of the State Executive Council.
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