Governor Ododo Proposes N820bn 2026 Budget

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has approved the 2026 draft budget of N820.49 billion aimed at driving sustainable growth and inclusive development across the state.

The governor approved the budget, tagged the “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” during the State Executive Council meeting held in Lokoja.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Finance, Asiru Idris, revealed that the 2026 draft budget marks a 35.7 per cent increase from the N604.45 billion revised 2025 budget.

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

According to the commissioner, the 2025 revised budget had a total revenue projection of N399.3 billion, of which N245.4 billion was achieved by September 2025.

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

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi 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 is yielding results.

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

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

The council also deliberated extensively 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 for Information disclosed that the state government is working with local government chairmen and relevant stakeholders to enforce the restriction and shut down unregulated trailer parks that serve as hideouts for criminal elements.

The council resolved to withdraw consent authority from local entities and traditional rulers to prevent fraudulent exploitation of landowners by dubious investors.

In a bid to promote inclusion and continuity, the meeting was expanded to include former commissioners who served under past administrations.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Salisu Sani Ogu, former Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and Chairman of the APC Former Commissioners’ Forum, expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for the gesture.