Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Tuesday laid the 2026 Appropriation Bill before the State House of Assembly, presenting a spending plan totalling ₦820,490,585,443 for the coming fiscal year.
Speaking during the budget presentation at the Assembly complex in Lokoja, the Governor said the financial proposal—tagged “Budget of Shared Prosperity”—is designed as a people-focused framework to advance infrastructure expansion, deepen human capital development, stimulate production, and support enterprise growth across the state.
According to Ododo, the budget comprises recurrent expenditure of ₦367.4bn, or 45 percent, while capital expenditure is projected at ₦453.04bn, representing 55 percent of the total outlay. He explained that the figures underscore his administration’s resolve to prioritise infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, and broader economic development.
The Governor noted that the capital vote will be financed through a transfer surplus of ₦102.56bn and capital receipts estimated at ₦350.48bn, which include internal and external loans, grants, and aids.
Ododo urged the Assembly to grant swift consideration to the proposal, adding that the 2026 spending plan is expected to reinforce current reforms, promote inclusive prosperity, and sustain the state’s development momentum.
“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.
He outlined improved revenue mobilization, recovery of federal debts owed to the state, plugging leakages, and strengthening internally generated revenue systems as central goals for the new fiscal year.
Providing an update on the state’s 2025 economic indicators, Ododo reported growth in key sectors, stating that Kogi achieved a real GDP growth rate of 3.8 percent, supported by agriculture, solid minerals, trade, and construction.
“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.
In his remarks, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Yusuf Aliyu, applauded the Governor’s achievements in public financial management, infrastructure delivery, human capital development, and security.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the 8th Assembly to a transparent, citizen-focused budget scrutiny process and commended the executive arm for granting full legislative autonomy to the House.
The Assembly is expected to commence detailed budget defence sessions with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the coming days.
