Governor Monday Okpebholo presents the ₦939.85 billion 2026 Budget of Hope and Growth to the Edo State House of Assembly
Edo Governor Okpebholo Presents N939.85bn 2026 Budget to State Assembly
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday presented a N939.85 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill, dubbed the “Budget of Hope and Growth,” to the State House of Assembly.
The governor made the presentation at a plenary session presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.
According to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebojele Patrick, Okpebholo commended the Assembly for its support, which he said enabled the successful execution of the 2025 budget and delivered tangible benefits to Edo residents.
Highlighting achievements of his first year in office, the governor noted significant improvements in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), as well as strong performance in capital and recurrent expenditures.
Security Initiatives
Okpebholo emphasised his administration’s commitment to ending Edo State’s reputation as a safe haven for criminals.
With over 300 cult-related killings recorded in 2024, his government strengthened security through an anti-cultism law, the provision of 80 patrol vehicles and 400 motorcycles, and the recruitment of 2,500 officers into the Edo State Security Corps.
Healthcare and Education
In healthcare, the administration is rebuilding the system with new Primary Health Centres, diagnostic equipment, and the construction of a 150-bed Specialist Hospital in Edo Central.
The education sector received a major boost, with 5,000 permanent teachers recruited, 63 schools upgraded, and monthly subventions to tertiary institutions significantly increased, Ambrose Alli University from N41 million to N500 million, and Edo State University, Iyamoh from N25 million to N250 million.
Infrastructure and Agriculture
Okpebholo disclosed 28 new road projects covering 255 kilometres, including two flyovers in Benin City at Ramat Park and Sapele Road by Adesuwa Junction, a first in the state.
Agriculture’s budget was expanded from N6.9 billion to N57 billion, with over 400 hectares of farmland already cultivated.
Over 10,000 jobs have been created, complemented by a N1 billion interest-free loan scheme for market women and traders. Public trust has been restored through judicial appointments, re-establishment of customary courts, and strengthening traditional institutions.
The N939.85 billion budget allocates N637 billion (68%) to capital expenditure and N302 billion (32%) to recurrent expenditure. Funding sources include projected IGR of N160 billion, FAAC allocations of N480 billion, capital receipts and grants of N153 billion, and Public-Private Partnerships worth N146 billion.
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Sectoral allocations show the economic sector leading with N614.2 billion, followed by the social sector at N148.9 billion, the administration sector at N157.7 billion, and justice at N19 billion. Additional provisions support regional development and local government councils.
The 2026 budget is anchored on the SHINE Agenda (Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources/Agriculture, and Education), designed to ensure visible, people-centered development across Edo State.
The plenary session was attended by the Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government, former state officials, executive council members, traditional rulers, civil society representatives, and members of the press.
Governor Okpebholo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reforms boosting state revenue and formally submitted the 2026 Appropriation Bill for legislative consideration and approval.
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