Governor Hope Uzodimma has signed Imo state’s N1.4trn 2026 budget into law.
Speaking during the assent ceremony held at the New Government House, Eziachi, Orlu Local Government Area of the state, Governor Uzodimma described the signing as a clear fulfilment of the constitutional principle of checks and balances.
Uzodimma noted that what was initially presented to the Imo State House of Assembly as budget estimates had now become law through due legislative process.
This is the beauty of democracy. The seamless operation of checks and balances for the common good of our people”, the governor said.
He expressed delight that the State was ending the year 2025 on a strong and positive note, describing the budget as the final bridge between the administration’s strategic planning and the economic prosperity envisioned for Imo State.
The governor commended the leadership and members of the Imo State House of Assembly for their diligence, commitment, and cooperation, pointing out that the lawmakers worked tirelessly often overnight to ensure the expeditious passage of the bill.
“I am confident that this budget was scrutinised line by line. Much of what we have achieved as a government would not have been possible without the collaboration of the House of Assembly”, he added.
Describing the budget as visionary and ambitious, the governor explained that the ₦1.4 trillion appropriation represents a clear roadmap for development, stressing that revenue generation would precede expenditure.
“We must first look for the money before spending it. All ongoing and critical projects across the State will be completed before the end of the administration. No intention of abandoning any project”, the governor stated.
Addressing criticisms over investments in roads classified as federal roads, the governor maintained that jurisdiction should not override human impact.
He noted, “A mother going to the market or a young person going to work does not think about who owns the road. They are Imo people. What matters is who uses it.”
He also acknowledged the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in creating policies that have enabled states to generate more revenue, stressing that accountability and transparency in the use of public funds remained paramount.
As he signed the budget into law on December 31, 2025, the Governor reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the service of Ndi Imo, declaring:
Signing the budget into law, the governor said, “We have the resources. We have the plan. We have the vision. And we have the courage.
Earlier, while presenting the bill for assent, the Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, who represented the Speaker, said, the Legislature and the Executive are united by a common goal of making Imo State greater and more prosperous.
“The separation of powers does not imply separation of purpose,” he said.
He assured the governor of a more robust, effective, and result-oriented oversight function in 2026.
Drawing a parallel with Pentecostal church traditions, he described the budget theme as a prophetic declaration, capable of inspiring hope and direction, just like annual church slogans.
“This is not just a budget theme, it reflects unity of purpose, faith in leadership, and confidence in a people-centred administration.”
He expressed optimism that by the end of 2026, Imo State would be filled with testimonies of economic growth, infrastructural development, and expanded opportunities arising from the implementation of the budget. Daily News
