••• Lists Major Achievements, Warns of Revenue Pressures
••• Teachers, Students, Farmers to Benefit as Aiyedatiwa Presents 2026 Budget
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday presented a ₦492.79 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, describing it as a “Budget of Economic Consolidation” aimed at deepening reforms, expanding infrastructure and building on the gains of the 2025 recovery plan.
Addressing lawmakers in Akure, the Governor said the new spending plan reflects the state’s shift from “restoration to sustained long-term consolidation,” following what he described as “measurable progress” recorded in 2025 despite severe revenue shortfalls.
The 2025 budget had been revised downward from ₦698.6bn to ₦489.9bn after donor-funded revenue projections failed to materialise, forcing the state to re-prioritise and cut dependence on external inflows.
Capital Still Takes Priority
Aiyedatiwa said the 2026 budget maintains a 57.22% capital expenditure share, signalling the administration’s commitment to completing ongoing roads, water projects, power infrastructure, urban renewal programmes and the Ilaje Industrial Hub.
He promised that “no project in Ondo State will be left abandoned.”
Major 2025 Achievements Highlighted
The Governor also highlighted progress across key sectors:
Education: 2,100 new teachers hired; 134 primary and 60 secondary schools rehabilitated; ₦633.9m WAEC fees paid for 23,048 students; tertiary scholarship and bursary support for over 11,000 learners.
Healthcare: 102 PHCs upgraded under World Bank’s IMPACT project; expansion of state health insurance to informal workers; strengthening of drug safety systems.
Infrastructure: Over 60km of roads under construction; 386km of rural roads completed under RAAMP; major works ongoing in Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa and Irele LGAs.
Power: Revival of the Omotosho 2×15MW plant; 30 new solar mini-grids; new power licences issued to private operators.
Agriculture: Distribution of over two million cocoa seedlings; expanded market infrastructure; land allocated for agribusiness.
Social Protection: 10,550 households receiving bimonthly cash transfers; nearly 20,000 residents engaged in labour-intensive public works.
Revenue Risks Ahead
Aiyedatiwa warned that declining national revenues and Nigeria’s new VAT sharing formula could reduce the state’s earnings, especially for a civil service–driven economy like Ondo. Tax exemptions for low-income earners and SMEs may also affect IGR growth.
Still, he affirmed that the 2026 budget prioritises food security, human capital development, technology, social protection and prudent fiscal management.
The Governor thanked the legislature, security agencies, traditional rulers, youth groups, civil society and development partners, urging the Assembly to give the budget “speedy and careful consideration.”
