Ondo Raises 2026 Budget to N769bn, Targets 90km Roads Across LGAs
The Ondo State Government has increased its 2026 budget from N524.411 billion to N769.384 billion, with the revised fiscal plan placing greater emphasis on infrastructure projects across the state.
The additional N244.973 billion is expected to support road construction, water supply, healthcare and other critical development projects as Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa intensifies efforts to improve infrastructure delivery.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Olaolu Akindolire, disclosed this after the State Executive Council meeting, explaining that the upward review followed a mid-year assessment of the 2026 Appropriation Law.
The original budget was assented to on December 29, 2025, and became effective on January 1, 2026.
Akindolire said the revised budget had been forwarded to the Ondo State House of Assembly for ratification, adding that the review was necessary to realign budgetary provisions, address funding gaps and improve implementation during the remaining months of the year.
According to him, the first and second quarter budget implementation appraisal reports showed different levels of performance among Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
He said while some MDAs had recorded increased demands and were approaching their approved provisions, others had slower utilisation of funds due to implementation challenges.
Under the administration’s renewed infrastructure drive, Governor Aiyedatiwa has directed the construction of at least five kilometres of roads in each of the state’s 18 local government areas before the end of 2026.
The directive translates to a minimum of 90 kilometres of new roads across the state.
Akindolire said the road projects would enhance connectivity, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, link communities to markets, schools and healthcare facilities, and boost economic activities in both urban and rural areas.
The revised budget also provides additional funding for the Adegbola–St. Mathias flyover along Oba Adesida Road in Alagbaka, Akure.
The commissioner said water and healthcare sectors had equally received additional funding, with anticipated development financing expected to support projects designed to improve access to potable water and strengthen healthcare delivery.
Meanwhile, the State Executive Council approved the appointment of Professor Thompson Akinyele Akinifesi as the pioneer Ekingbade of Bolorunduro in Ondo East Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, said the appointment would usher in a new era in the community, which serves as the headquarters of Bolorunduro Local Government.
The council also approved the appointment of warrant chiefs to facilitate the selection of new traditional rulers in Ikun Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area, Ute in Ose Local Government Area and Ero in Ifedore Local Government Area.
The appointments are expected to facilitate the emergence of the new Olokun of Ikun Akoko, Olute of Ute and Ekiri of Ero.
Takuro said the state government remained committed to ensuring the smooth installation of traditional rulers in communities ready to select new obas, without undue interference.
Reiterating the council’s decisions, the Commissioner for Information, Idowu Ajanaku, said the Aiyedatiwa administration would continue to prioritise infrastructural development as part of its efforts to accelerate growth and improve living conditions across Ondo State.
