Ebonyi Governor Unveils ₦884.87 Billion 2026 Budget Focused On Development & Infrastructure

By TINA TOLUTOPE

GOVERNOR Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Tuesday presented a ₦884.868 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, outlining plans to accelerate development across the state.

Of the total budget, recurrent expenditure accounts for ₦135.376 billion (15.3%), while capital spending dominates with ₦749.492 billion (84.7%). Personnel costs make up 6.48% of the budget, with overhead expenditure at 8.82%, reflecting a lean approach to administration.

Governor Nwifuru highlighted human capital development as a central focus, noting that over 5,000 residents have benefited from empowerment programs, and more than 1,000 students have received local and international scholarships for Master’s and Doctoral studies in leading institutions worldwide.

Healthcare remains a priority, with free maternal care now available for pregnant women across Ebonyi, covering antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services. In agriculture, the governor stressed the sector’s importance in ensuring food security and improving livelihoods.

Infrastructure development also features prominently in the budget. Nwifuru pointed to ongoing projects such as the VANCO flyover in Abakaliki, describing it as a transformative initiative expected to ease traffic congestion and redefine the city’s skyline once completed.

The 2026 budget underscores the administration’s commitment to balanced socio-economic growth while addressing the state’s key developmental needs.