Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has officially signed the 2026 budget proposal into law, approving a total of one trillion, sixteen billion, two hundred and twenty-eight million, seventy-two thousand, six hundred and fifty-one naira, ninety-nine kobo (N1,016,228,072,651.99) for the upcoming fiscal year.
The signing took place at the Executive Council Chambers, where Governor Otti expressed his commitment to implementing the budget as planned. He also took the opportunity to thank the members of the Abia State House of Assembly for their swift passage of the appropriation bill.
Otti praised the lawmakers and the team responsible for preparing the budget, congratulating them for their hard work and dedication. He said, “Today, we have gathered to sign the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, and that has just happened moments ago. I want to start by thanking the team who worked very hard to produce the Appropriation Bill, and dispatched it to the House. But more thanks go to the House for expeditiously attending to the Bill, crunching the numbers, and spending sleepless nights to ensure quick passage of the Bill.”
He expressed satisfaction with the thoroughness of the House of Assembly, noting that their attention to detail and engagement with the executive team exemplify true democracy. “Questions should be asked, and numbers should be scrutinised. Two good heads, they say, are better than one. So, that this Bill took a little bit of time to pass is also a plus. It shows that some work was being done. It also puts the executive on its toes to ensure that it continues to up their game, to produce numbers that can be vouched for,” he added.
Governor Otti confirmed that the major figures in the budget remained unchanged, with the total appropriation standing at ₦1.016 trillion after careful review. He highlighted that the balance between capital and recurrent expenditures reflects the government’s focus.
“This is a government that believes that we need to empower our people legitimately. Our definition of empowerment is creating the enabling environment for our people to do their business and do their stuff. And then, of course, also implementing and creating social infrastructure in terms of health, education, and environmental issues. Having our place clear, other than the roads, the bridges and the other hardcore infrastructure,” he said.
Earlier, the Speaker of the 24-member Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, presented the budget, titled “Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities.” He noted that the budget covers all sectors and praised Governor Otti’s achievements, which have gained recognition globally.
Emeruwa assured the governor of the assembly’s continued support, stating that Otti has changed the narrative in Abia State within his 30 months in office and that the legislature is proud to be part of the acceleration of projects planned for 2026.
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