Governor Francis Nwifuru on Tuesday laid before the Ebonyi State House of Assembly a landmark ₦884.87 billion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year, the largest in the state’s history. The budget, christened the “Budget of Actualisation and Hope,” is anchored on the administration’s People’s Charter of Needs philosophy, which seeks to align government spending with the priorities expressed by citizens across the state.
Nwifuru explained that the proposal aims to sustain fiscal consolidation, accelerate economic growth, and enhance human capital development. He stressed that the structure reflects his government’s determination to drive development through heavy capital investment.
According to the breakdown, ₦749.49 billion (84.7%) is allocated to capital expenditure, while ₦135.38 billion (15.3%) is earmarked for recurrent spending. This ratio highlights the administration’s emphasis on infrastructure expansion, industrialisation, and long-term growth rather than short-term consumption.
The governor disclosed that the state expects to generate ₦469.9 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), representing more than half of projected revenues. Additional inflows will come from ₦48.77 billion in tax revenue, ₦17.14 billion in domestic grants, and ₦332 billion from the Capital Development Fund, which includes World Bank–assisted programmes such as SPIN, RAAMP, LPRES, NG-CARES, SABER, IFAD, and NEWMAP The Guardian Nigeria.
Nwifuru acknowledged the financial challenges inherited by his administration, including unsettled pensions and longstanding debts, but insisted that the 2026 budget was crafted to consolidate reforms and elevate living standards. He emphasised that the plan would strengthen economic recovery, deepen industrialisation, and improve social services across Ebonyi.
The proposal now awaits legislative consideration and approval by the State Assembly.
