Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Tuesday presented the 2026 budget estimate of N939.85 billion to the State House of Assembly, describing it as the “Budget of Hope and Growth.”

The proposed budget is over N140 billion higher than the 2025 budget of N799.82 billion. Okpebholo revealed that N637 billion (68%) is earmarked for capital expenditure, while N302 billion (32%) is allocated for recurrent expenditure.

Highlighting the objectives of the 2026 budget, the governor said it aims to consolidate gains achieved in his first year in office, expand government services, and restore citizens’ confidence in governance.

“The 2026 Budget of Hope and Growth is designed to build on the foundation we laid in 2025. It is a budget that speaks to the needs of our people. It focuses on security, infrastructure, agriculture, education, job creation, and healthcare,” Okpebholo said.

He emphasized that Edo State will continue to prioritize visible capital projects such as roads, schools, hospitals, water, housing, and economic initiatives.

Funding for the budget will come from Internally Generated Revenue (N160 billion), Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds (N480 billion), capital receipts and grants (N153 billion), public-private partnerships (N146 billion), and other available revenue streams.

Okpebholo assured citizens that his administration would avoid imposing unnecessary financial pressure, instead focusing on strengthening systems and plugging revenue leakages.

The sectoral breakdown shows the economic sector receiving the largest allocation at N614.2 billion, followed by the administration sector (N157.7 billion) and the social sector (N148.9 billion).

The governor stated that the budget is anchored on the government’s SHINE Agenda, which includes Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources/Agriculture, and Education, with the goal of fostering prosperity and ensuring that every Edo citizen and community feels the impact of governance.