By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Monday presented a sum of N492.8 billion appropriation bill to the State House of Assembly for the 2026 fiscal year.
Tagged the ‘Budget of Economic Consolidation,’ the proposal allocates N167.5 billion for recurrent expenditure, while N281.991 billion is earmarked for capital expenditure.
Presenting the bill to the 26-member Assembly, Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted that the 2026 budget builds on the progress of the 2025 budget, marking a transition from restoration to sustained consolidation of economic achievements in the state.
He said, “The 2025 Budget was christened the Budget of Recovery to focus on stabilising critical sectors, restoring essential services and reviving public confidence after a period of fiscal strain.
“Having laid this solid foundation and achieved measurable gains, particularly in infrastructure rehabilitation, service delivery and public financial management, the State is now positioned to deepen these achievements by strengthening revenue structures, accelerating growth-driven investments and institutionalising reforms.
“The title of 2026 Budget of Economic Consolidation is aptly justified as the natural progression from previous years’ activities and, therefore, reflects a deliberate shift from mere restoration to sustained consolidation of economic gains, ensuring that the progress recorded in 2025 matures into long-term prosperity, resilience and inclusive development for the people of Ondo State.”
The governor expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their contributions during the 2026 budget consultative meetings, noting that their input “greatly enriched this budget and enhanced its impact.”
He added, “We hope the 2026 Budget will receive the same careful consideration from this honourable House, while the executive remains committed to its timely and effective implementation. We anticipate that 2026 will bring significant progress, prosperity and well-being to our citizens.”
In response, the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Olamide Oladiji, assured that the budget would be thoroughly reviewed.
He said, “This 2026 budget was aimed at consolidating the 2025 budget and improving the standard of living of our people. It is a blueprint for the better future of Ondo State. The house would conduct a thorough scrutiny of the budget.”