Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday presented a ₦939.85 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Edo State House of Assembly, describing it as a “Budget of Hope and Growth.”
Presenting the budget proposal, Okpebholo said the 2026 estimate was built on the gains recorded in 2025, improved revenue performance and the administration’s commitment to people-centred development under the SHINE Agenda.
According to the governor, security remains a top priority for the state, noting that decisive measures have been taken to ensure Edo is no longer a safe haven for criminal activities. He said these include the strengthening of security laws, enhancement of logistics, and the recruitment of 2,500 personnel into the Edo State Security Corps.
Okpebholo stated that the measures have led to a significant reduction in insecurity and restored public confidence across the state.
The governor explained that the 2026 budget places strong emphasis on infrastructure, health, education, agriculture and economic growth, with over 68 per cent of the total expenditure allocated to capital projects.
He said the proposed spending would cover the construction of new roads and flyovers, upgrades of schools, improvement of healthcare facilities, expansion of agricultural investments and the implementation of job creation initiatives.
Okpebholo expressed optimism that the budget would positively impact lives, stimulate economic growth and secure a better future for Edo residents, declaring that the state is entering a new phase of development.
