Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has put forward a landmark spending plan for the 2026 fiscal year, presenting a proposed budget of N884.86 billion to the state House of Assembly. This figure, presented on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, stands as the highest budget proposal in the history of the state.
Budget Breakdown and Revenue Sources
Christened the 'Budget of Actualisation and Hope', the financial plan heavily prioritizes capital projects. A substantial N749.49 billion, which accounts for 84.7 per cent of the total budget, is earmarked for capital expenditure.
To fund this ambitious plan, the state government has outlined its expected revenue streams. The largest chunk, N469.9 billion, is projected to come from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), representing 53.11% of the total expected revenue. This will be supplemented by N48.77 billion from tax revenue, N17.14 billion from domestic grants, and a significant N332 billion from the Capital Development Fund. The latter includes various World Bank-assisted programmes such as SPIN, RAAMP, LPRES, NG-CARES, SABER, IFAD, and NEWMAP.
Key Sectoral Focus and Major Projects
The 2026 appropriation bill is designed to drive progress across several critical sectors of the state's economy, with a sharp focus on infrastructure development, industrialisation, agriculture, water supply, and human capital growth.
In the infrastructure sector, key priorities include the continuation of major projects like the VANCO Tunnel and Flyover, the Nwofe and Nwezenyi Flyovers, alongside numerous township and rural road projects aimed at improving connectivity.
For industrialisation, the government plans to continue work on the Ebonyi Industrial City, a proposed state-owned cement factory, and the reactivated Waste-to-Wealth plant, initiatives intended to boost local production and create jobs.
The agricultural sector is set to receive a boost through mechanised farming support, the distribution of modern farm equipment, the revival of the Nkaliki Hatchery, and the development of a large-scale feed mill to support livestock farmers.
To address public utilities, Governor Nwifuru announced plans to reactivate major water schemes in Oferekpe, Ezillo, and Iboko, which are expected to significantly improve access to potable water for residents.
Commitment to Social Programmes and Legislative Process
Beyond physical infrastructure, the governor reaffirmed the state's commitment to human capital development. This includes continued investment in education, scholarship programmes, free maternal healthcare, and various empowerment initiatives designed to uplift the citizenry.
Governor Nwifuru urged the State House of Assembly to give the appropriation bill expeditious consideration, promising that his administration would diligently implement the budget once passed. The bill has already passed its first and second readings, indicating a swift start to the legislative process.
In his response, the Speaker of the House, Moses Ije Odunwa, commended the governor's developmental efforts. He assured that the Assembly would thoroughly examine the budget to ensure it adequately reflects the needs and aspirations of the people of Ebonyi State.
