Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru on Tuesday presented a total budget estimate of ₦884.868 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.

Dubbed the “Budget of Actualisation and Hope,” the plan aims to accelerate infrastructure development, strengthen human capital, and consolidate ongoing reforms across key sectors. Nwifuru said the budget was crafted in alignment with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs philosophy, reflecting the priorities and aspirations gathered from citizens across the state.

With a capital outlay of ₦749.49 billion (84.7%) and recurrent expenditure of ₦135.37 billion, the governor noted that the proposal would drive industrialisation, deepen economic recovery, and elevate living standards for Ebonyians.

Recalling the financial challenges inherited on assumption of office—including debts, unsettled pensions, and unpaid gratuities—Nwifuru said thousands of pensioners have now received their long-awaited payments.

“We restored not just their financial stability but their dignity,” he said, commending the Assembly for its consistent support.

Highlighting 2025 achievements, the governor noted that over 5,000 citizens benefited from empowerment programs, while vocational and agribusiness training equipped youths and women with skills for economic independence. He also underscored advances in education, including:

• Establishment of the University of ICT, Oferekpe, with over 20 accredited courses
• Commencement of the University of Aeronautic Engineering, Ezza
• Construction of 43 model secondary schools with ICT labs, libraries, and solar power
• Award of over 1,000 scholarships for local and overseas postgraduate studies

In healthcare, pregnant women now enjoy free maternal care, emergency response has improved with fully equipped ambulances, and hospitals have been upgraded with additional staff and revived drug schemes.

In agriculture, the administration mechanised farming across all 13 LGAs, distributed fertilizers, and supported cooperative farmers. Economic diversification is being promoted through projects like the Ebonyi Feed Mill, revitalisation of Nkaliki Hatchery, and industrial city developments, expected to create thousands of jobs.

Infrastructure highlights include the VANCO Flyover and Tunnel, completion of the Iziogo Tunnel, ongoing works at Nwezenyi and Nwofe Junction flyovers, and rehabilitation of township and rural roads. Water schemes in Oferekpe, Abakaliki, and Ezill have been revived, with new reservoirs under construction in Iboko and Ivo.

The sectoral allocations for the 2026 budget are:

• Administrative: ₦137.37bn (15.52%)
• Economic: ₦492.93bn (55.71%)
• Law and Justice: ₦5.03bn (0.57%)
• Regional: ₦1.56bn (0.18%)
• Social: ₦247.97bn (28.02%)

Governor Nwifuru described the budget as a reflection of “determination, discipline, and sincerity”, urging the Assembly to expedite consideration to ensure that every citizen feels the impact of government initiatives.