Aiyedatiwa Signs N524bn 2026 Budget, Targets Infrastructure, Jobs, Human Capital
31st December, 2025.
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has signed the N524.41 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, unveiling an expansive spending plan that prioritises infrastructure, education, health, agriculture and economic growth across the state.
The budget, christened the “Budget of Economic Consolidation,” was signed into law on Monday, December 29, 2025, at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Akure.
Of the total sum, N303.58 billion (57.89 per cent) is earmarked for capital expenditure, while N220.83 billion (42.11 per cent) will go to recurrent spending, reflecting what the governor described as a strong commitment to development and economic expansion.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the 2026 budget was designed to respond to prevailing national economic realities while positioning Ondo State for self-reliance, resilience and long-term prosperity. He described the exercise as a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to sustainable development and responsible governance.
According to him, major allocations were made to key sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, education, health, human capital development, trade and industry, environment, energy, justice administration and public finance.
He identified agriculture and food security as a major pillar of the budget, with investments targeted at modern farming techniques, support for smallholder farmers and improved access to credit. Education and skills development, he added, will receive renewed attention through school renovations, teacher training and digital skills programmes.
The governor also said the budget will drive economic transformation through the completion and initiation of critical road, power and water projects, while efforts to boost internally generated revenue will be intensified through technology-driven and transparent tax systems, expansion of the revenue base and blocking of leakages.
Governor Aiyedatiwa directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to strictly align their programmes with budget provisions and ensure prudent and timely execution of projects.
Describing the budget as a covenant with the people, he urged residents of the state to take ownership of government projects and actively participate in their implementation. He also commended the Ondo State House of Assembly for the speedy passage of the bill, praising lawmakers for their diligence and cooperation.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, lauded the governor’s development strides, particularly in Akure, and highlighted the Assembly’s legislative achievements, including laws on kidnapping prohibition, community regulation, domestic staff registration, the State Road Fund, and coastal and waterways management.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Olaolu Akindolire, described the 2026 budget as strategic, realistic and people-oriented. He disclosed that the funding framework includes projected revenues from federal and non-federal sources, internally generated revenue, grants and aids, as well as planned borrowing of N72.92 billion for development partner-supported projects, especially in human capital development.
The sectoral breakdown shows the largest allocation to infrastructure development with N144 billion, followed by public finance (N95 billion), education (N64.5 billion) and health (N59.5 billion), among others.
Governor Aiyedatiwa called on all stakeholders to support the effective implementation of the budget to ensure that 2026 delivers consolidation, growth and inclusive development for Ondo State.
