Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has made history in Ebonyi State by presenting an unprecedented budget proposal of ₦884.86 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly. This monumental budget, presented on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, represents the highest financial plan in the state's history.
The governor tagged the appropriation bill "Budget of Actualisation and Hope" during his presentation to lawmakers, emphasizing its transformative potential for the southeastern state.
Budget Allocation Breakdown
A significant portion of the budget, precisely ₦749.49 billion, representing 84.7 percent, has been allocated to capital projects. This demonstrates the administration's strong focus on developmental initiatives across various sectors.
Governor Nwifuru outlined the expected revenue streams, projecting that ₦469.9 billion would come from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). This amount constitutes 53.11 percent of the state's total anticipated revenue for the 2026 fiscal year.
Additional revenue sources include:
- ₦48.77 billion from tax revenue
- ₦17.14 billion from domestic grants
- ₦332 billion from the Capital Development Fund, which incorporates various World Bank-assisted programs including SPIN, RAAMP, LPRES, NG-CARES, SABER, IFAD, and NEWMAP
Key Infrastructure and Development Focus
The 2026 budget prioritizes several critical sectors including infrastructure development, industrialization, agriculture, water supply, and human capital growth.
Major infrastructure projects highlighted include:
- The VANCO Tunnel and Flyover
- Nwofe and Nwezenyi Flyovers
- Multiple township and rural road projects
Industrial development will continue with work on the Ebonyi Industrial City, a proposed state-owned cement factory, and the reactivated Waste-to-Wealth plant.
In agriculture, the budget provides support for:
- Mechanized farming initiatives
- Distribution of modern farm equipment
- Revival of the Nkaliki Hatchery
- Development of a large-scale feed mill
Public Utilities and Social Investments
Governor Nwifuru emphasized improvements in public utilities, specifically mentioning the reactivation of water schemes in Oferekpe, Ezillo, and Iboko to enhance access to potable water for residents.
The administration also reaffirmed its commitment to social investments, including:
- Education infrastructure and scholarships
- Free maternal healthcare programs
- Various empowerment initiatives for citizens
The governor urged the House of Assembly to give the bill expeditious consideration, promising faithful implementation once passed. The Appropriation Bill successfully passed its first and second readings during the session.
In his response, Speaker of the House, Chief Moses Ije Odunwa, commended Governor Nwifuru's developmental efforts and assured that the Assembly would thoroughly examine the budget to ensure it reflects the needs of Ebonyi people. The Speaker also congratulated the governor on his recent national appointment.
Recognition of Gender Inclusion Efforts
In related developments, the General Manager of Ebonyi State Transport Corporation (EBOTRANS), Mrs. Nnenna Igwe, praised the administration's commitment to gender-balanced governance and human capital development.
Speaking with journalists in Abakaliki on Monday, Mrs. Igwe highlighted the governor's unprecedented inclusion of women in leadership positions across the state. She specifically noted the appointment of the first female Deputy Governor, the first female Secretary to the State Government, and her own appointment as the first female General Manager of EBOTRANS.
Mrs. Igwe also applauded the humanitarian work of the First Lady, Chief (Mrs.) Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, through her BEWO Foundation. She highlighted the recent enrollment of over 10,000 women into BEWO's skills acquisition program and the construction of houses for widows, describing the First Lady as a champion for women's empowerment and social welfare.
