Ododo Presents N820b Proposed Appropriation Bill for 2026 to Kogi Assembly for Approval

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has presented a proposed appropriation bill of sum N820,490,585,443 billon for 2026 fiscal year to the State Assembly for approval.

Governor Ododo noted the proposed budget is divided into estimated recurrent revenue 2026 of  N470 008,482,693 and  recurrent expenditure 453042”501,760 billion respectively

According to him, while the federation account allocations remain important, “our focus is on fiscal self-reliance, we are restructuring the IGR framework and adopting innovative financing  to strengthen long-term sustainability.”

The governor made this known while presenting the proposed budget at the Hallow Chamber of the Kogi State House of Assembly on Tuesday.

He commended the speaker and members of the House of Assembly for partnership, diligence and unwavering commitment to the progress of Kogi State, noting the legislative support and oversight have continued to strengthen the agenda for  sustainable prosperity.

He highlighted some of the critical areas in which the administration will focus in 2026 as  human Capital Development,  empowering youths and women through skills development and innovation,  education: Expanding access and enhancing quality to build a globally competitive workforce.

Also the administration will take decisive action in the Healthcare: Improving access to quality care and strengthening health outcomes, infrastructure Development: Investing in transport systems, housing, and airport services to boost productivity, Agriculture: Deepening food security and agribusiness expansion to drive job creation and reduce poverty, Water Resources and Sanitation: Expanding access to clean water and improved sanitation.

Others are  revenue generation: enhancing IGR mechanisms to achieve greater fiscal independence; Peace and Security: Sustaining a stable and secure environment necessary for economic growth and community harmony.

“These sectoral priorities will stimulate enterprise, generate employment, and expand opportunities for youths, women, and small businesses. While federation account allocations remain important, our focus is on fiscal self-reliance. We are restructuring the IGR framework and adopting innovative financing Options to strengthen long-term sustainability,” the governor stressed.

The Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Umar Yusuf, on his part, lauded the resolve of the 8th Kogi State House of Assembly to continue to foster harmonious Executive-Legislative relationship.

“This synergy is essential for sustaining good governance, strengthening institutions and deepening the dividends of democracy for our citizens.

“We thank you, Your Excellency, for granting full autonomy to the State House of Assembly, an unmistakable demonstration of your respect for the independence of the Legislature. This singular act has further strengthened accountability, transparency and the institutional capacity of this Honourable Assembly to discharge its constitutional duties without hindrance.

“As we consolidate this autonomy, we must also draw attention to certain critical needs that will further enhance the efficiency of the Legislature. A major concern is the urgent need to fully computerize the operations of the House in line with modern legislative standards.

“At present, of all the 36 states in the Federation, only two have not computerized their legislative operations, and unfortunately, Kogi State remains one of them.

“Addressing this gap is essential to improving efficiency, documentation, research capacity and overall service delivery,” the speaker stated