Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the State House of Assembly, proposing a total expenditure of ₦820,490,585,443 for the fiscal year.
Presenting the budget at the Assembly complex in Lokoja, Governor Ododo described the document titled “Budget of Shared Prosperity” as a people focused financial plan aimed at strengthening infrastructure, expanding human capital development, boosting production capacity, and driving enterprise growth across the state.
According to the Governor, the proposed budget allocates ₦367.4 billion (45%) to recurrent expenditure, while ₦453.04 billion (55%) is earmarked for capital projects signalling his administration’s sustained emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, and broader economic expansion.
He explained that the capital component would be financed through a transfer surplus of ₦102.56 billion and capital receipts amounting to ₦350.48 billion, including internal and external loans, aids, and grants.
Governor Ododo urged lawmakers to expedite consideration and passage of the bill, expressing confidence that the financial plan would consolidate ongoing reforms and reinforce the state’s long term development agenda.
“Our vision is clear: to create an economy that works for every citizen one that rewards productivity, encourages innovation, and uplifts the vulnerable,” he said.
The Governor also highlighted priorities for 2026, including improved revenue mobilization, recovery of outstanding federal debts, plugging financial leakages, and strengthening Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) mechanisms.
Providing an update on the state’s economic performance in 2025, Ododo reported that Kogi State achieved a 3.8% GDP growth, driven by agriculture, solid minerals, trade, and construction. He noted that inflation averaged 20.4%, slightly below the national rate, while unemployment declined from 18.6% in 2024 to 16.2% in 2025. The poverty index also dropped from 35% to 32%, with significant gains recorded in rural communities.
“These indicators confirm that our economic policies are yielding measurable results,” he added.
In his remarks, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Yusuf Aliyu, lauded the Governor’s achievements in infrastructure, public financial management, human capital development, and security. He reaffirmed the 8th Assembly’s commitment to a transparent and people oriented budget review process and commended the executive arm for granting full legislative autonomy to the Assembly.
The House is expected to begin detailed budget defence sessions with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the coming days.
