…Capital Expenditure Hits ₦453bn, Recurrent ₦367bn

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Kogi State House of Assembly.The proposed budget estimates for the 2026 fiscal year is ₦820,490,585,443 (Eight Hundred and Twenty Billion, Four Hundred and Ninety Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-Five Thousand, Four Hundred and Forty-Three Naira).

Addressing lawmakers at the State Assembly complex in Lokoja, Governor Ododo described the financial plan titled “Budget of Shared Prosperity”, as a people-centred roadmap designed to strengthen infrastructure, enhance human capital development, boost production capacity, and promote enterprise growth across the state.

The Governor disclosed that the breakdown of the estimates puts the recurrent component of the budget at ₦367.4bn, representing 45 percent, and the capital expenditure at ₦453.04bn—which accounts for 55 percent of the budget—reflecting the administration’s emphasis on infrastructure development, agriculture, healthcare, education, and economic expansion.

He noted that the capital outlay will be funded from the transfer surplus of ₦102.56bn and capital receipts estimated at ₦350.48bn, including internal and external loans, aids, and grants.

Governor Ododo appealed to the lawmakers for accelerated consideration and passage of the Appropriation Bill, expressing confidence that the 2026 budget will consolidate ongoing reforms, promote shared prosperity, and strengthen the state’s long-term development trajectory.

“Our vision is clear: to create an economy that works for every citizen—one that rewards productivity, encourages innovation, and uplifts the vulnerable,” the Governor declared.

Governor Ododo emphasized improved revenue mobilization, recovery of outstanding federal debts, blocking leakages, and enhancing Internally Generated Revenue systems as major priorities for the year.

The Governor also provided an update on the state’s economic performance in 2025, noting that Kogi recorded a GDP growth of 3.8 percent while unemployment and poverty indicators improved due to targeted interventions.

“Kogi State’s real GDP is estimated to have grown by 3.8% in 2025, supported by agriculture, solid minerals, trade, and construction.

“The State inflation averaged 20.4%, slightly below the national rate due to our targeted interventions in food security and energy interventions.

“Our unemployment rate improved from 18.6% in 2024 to 16.2% in 2025, following sustained investments in youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and MSME support.

“The poverty index also declined from 35% to 32%, with notable improvements recorded in rural communities.“These indicators confirm that our economic policies are yielding measurable results,” he said.

Earlier, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Yusuf Aliyu, commended the Governor for his strides in infrastructure, public financial management, human capital development, and security of lives and property.

He noted that the 8th Assembly remains committed to a transparent, people-centred budget review process.

The Speaker also praised the executive for granting full legislative autonomy to the State House of Assembly.The State House of Assembly is expected to commence detailed budget review oversight sessions with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the coming days.