Governor Ododo Approves ₦820bn Draft Budget For 2026

Kogi State governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has approved the sum of N820billion for 2026 draft budget, tagged “Budget of Shared Prosperity”, aimed at driving sustainable growth and inclusive development across the state.

Governor Ododo gave the approval during the State Executive Council meeting held in Lokoja on Thursday.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Finance, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, revealed that the 2026 draft budget is estimated at ₦820.49 billion, marking a 35.7% increase from the ₦604.45 billion revised 2025 budget.

He explained that the new budget was designed to achieve five key objectives towards boosting internal revenue generation, strengthen debt recovery and repayment, create an inclusive and conducive business environment, deepen public-private partnerships (PPP) and ensuring project completion, continuity and overall fiscal growth.

According to the Commissioner, the 2025 revised budget had a total revenue projection of ₦399.3 billion, out of which ₦245.4 billion was achieved by September 2025.

He added that the 2026 budget will consolidate on the gains of the previous “Budget of Inclusive Development” by fostering shared prosperity for all citizens of Kogi State.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Evangelist Kingsley Fanwo, also briefed the press, highlighting the governor’s renewed focus on security.

He said Governor Ododo expressed satisfaction with the progress made in combating insecurity, assuring residents that the administration’s heavy investment in security infrastructure was yielding results.

“The governor is confident that we are winning the war against crime. His administration remains unrelenting and unwavering in its determination to stamp out all forms of criminality in the state,” Fanwo stated.

He added that the governor also at council meeting, reiterated his directive for all commissioners to drill three boreholes each in their respective local government areas.

Ododo described the move as part of his commitment to improving access to clean water, especially in rural communities.

“Government will step in more powerfully at a later stage, but commissioners must begin the process in their localities,” he emphasised.

The council also deliberated on the ban on daytime movement of articulated vehicles along major roads in Lokoja, particularly the Natako–Felele Highway, following frequent fatal accidents involving heavy-duty trucks.

The Commissioner disclosed further that the state government is working with local government chairmen and relevant stakeholders to enforce the restriction and shutdown of unregulated trailer parks that serve as hideouts for criminal elements

He added that the Council also resolved to withdraw consent authority from local entities and traditional rulers to prevent fraudulent exploitation of landowners by dubious investors.