By joshua 
Governor Nwifuru Presents #884.8bn 2026 budget to Ebonyi Assembly
By Agbo Amuche, Abakaliki
The Governor of Ebonyi State Chief Francis Nwifuru has presented the 2026 budget, totalling ₦884,868,327,429.94, to Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
The budget tagged “budget of actualization and hope was presented by the Governor at the hallow chamber of the house, Nkaliki road, Abakaliki.
The governor who described the budget as the largest in the history of the State, noted that an unprecedented 84.7% is dedicated to capital projects.
According to him, the aggressive capital spending is a deliberate strategy to accelerate economic growth, open up rural and urban corridors, modernise critical infrastructure, and position Ebonyi as a leading investment destination in Southeast Nigeria.
“Our commitment is to lift Ebonyi higher and ensure that every citizen feels the impact of government,” he said.
He noted that the state projects ₦48.77 billion from tax revenue and ₦17.14 billion from domestic grants, including education funds, healthcare programmes, and federal palliative support.
A substantial ₦332 billion is expected from Capital Development Fund receipts, including World Bank–assisted programmes such as SPIN, RAAMP, LPRES, NG-CARES, SABER, IFAD, and NEWMAP.
He outlined an ambitious economic plan for 2026 anchored on the People’s Charter of Needs, which, in his words,
key pillars of the plan include infrastructure acceleration, targeting
major projects such as the VANCO Tunnel and Flyover, the Nwofe and Nwezenyi Flyovers, as well as extensive township and rural road networks, which form the backbone of the 2026 capital allocation.
On industrialisation, he said the state will continue work on the Ebonyi Industrial City, a proposed state-owned cement factory, and the reactivated Waste-to-Wealth Plant, all aimed at boosting manufacturing and job creation.
On agricultural transformation, the governor said his administration’s plans include support for mechanised farming, distribution of modern farm equipment, revival of the Nkaliki Hatchery, and development of a large-scale feed mill to strengthen agricultural value chains.
On water and public utilities, he assured that the reactivation of major water schemes, including Oferekpe, Ezillo, and Iboko, will expand potable water access and support industrial activities.
On human capital and social welfare, the governor reaffirmed investment in new universities, massive scholarship programmes, free maternal healthcare, and empowerment initiatives that have already benefited over 5,000 citizens.
Nwifuru assured the House and residents that the 2026 budget was crafted to translate promises into measurable results.
“With discipline, determination, and your continued legislative support, this budget will guarantee industrialisation, economic growth, and a better standard of living,” he said.
He urged the Assembly to give the Appropriation Bill expeditious consideration to sustain the state’s development momentum.
The Appropriation Bill has already passed first and second readings.
In his remarks, Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, commended the governor for the administration’s significant progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and rural development.
He welcomed the presentation of the 2026 budget and highlighted the Assembly’s legislative achievements over the past year.
The speaker assured that the House would thoroughly and responsibly scrutinise the new budget to ensure it reflects the needs of Ebonyi citizens. He also congratulated the governor on his recent national appointment and urged continued public participation in shaping the state’s development agenda.
The State Commissioner for information and State orientation Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe described the budget as an overwhelming improvement and commended Governor Nwifuru for his transparency in governance.”We are living in the Stage of consolidation and continuity in delivering the peoples charter of needs mantra” The Governor is prudent in managing the State fund” he said
He urged Ebonyi people to keep being supportive to the present administration to continue reaping more dividends of democracy.