Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday unveiled a ₦492.8 billion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year, describing it as a deliberate plan to consolidate on the economic gains recorded in the 2025 financial year.
Presenting the budget before the 26-member House of Assembly in Akure, the governor said the proposal, christened “Budget of Economic Consolidation,” builds on the recovery framework implemented this year.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the budget proposes ₦167.5bn for recurrent expenditure and ₦281.991bn for capital projects across the state.
He explained that the 2026 proposal reflects the state’s shift from stabilisation to deepening reforms and expanding growth-driven investments.
Giving an overview of the budget philosophy, Aiyedatiwa recalled that the 2025 Budget of Recovery was designed to stabilise critical sectors after a period of “fiscal strain.”
He said, “Having laid this solid foundation and achieved measurable gains, particularly in infrastructure rehabilitation, service delivery and public financial management, the State is now positioned to deepen these achievements by strengthening revenue structures, accelerating growth-driven investments and institutionalising reforms.”
He added that naming the 2026 proposal the Budget of Economic Consolidation “reflects a deliberate shift from mere restoration to sustained consolidation of economic gains, ensuring that the progress recorded in 2025 matures into long-term prosperity, resilience and inclusive development for the people of Ondo State.”
The governor thanked civil society groups, traditional institutions, community representatives and other stakeholders whose contributions helped shape this year’s proposal.
“We hope the 2026 Budget will receive the same careful consideration from this honourable House, while the executive remains committed to its timely and effective implementation. We anticipate that 2026 will bring significant progress, prosperity and well-being to our citizens,” he said.
Responding, Speaker Olamide Oladiji assured that the budget would be treated with seriousness, describing it as a blueprint designed to improve the welfare of residents.
“This 2026 budget was aimed at consolidating the 2025 budget and improving the standard of living of our people. It is a blueprint for the better future of Ondo State. The House would conduct a thorough scrutiny of the budget,” the Speaker said.
Monday’s presentation came amid recent tension in the Assembly, where 12 lawmakers were alleged to have distanced themselves from plenary sessions in protest against the Speaker’s leadership.
9news Nigeria understands that last week, Oladiji raised the alarm over alleged moves by some lawmakers to frustrate Governor Aiyedatiwa’s efforts.
However, addressing the matter at the plenary, Oladiji disclosed that the rift had been resolved following the governor’s intervention.
He said the Assembly had now “closed ranks” to ensure smooth governance.
