Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State on Monday presented a N644 billion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.
The budget has a strong focus on completing ongoing projects, boosting security and strengthening social welfare.
The governor disclosed that about 65.98 per cent of the proposed budget would be devoted to capital expenditure, while 34.02 per cent is earmarked for recurrent spending, including support for vulnerable residents and improved welfare for workers.
Presenting the proposal to lawmakers in Ilorin on Monday, AbdulRazaq said the fiscal plan was deliberately structured to consolidate existing investments and address pressing needs across the state.
“With profound gratitude to God for His mercies and guidance, I again stand before this Honourable House to lay the 2026 Appropriation Bill in compliance with Section 121(1) of the Constitution,” the Governor said.
He put the total size of the budget at N644,004,816,893, adding that the heavy allocation to capital projects reflects the administration’s development priorities.
“These allocations point the direction we are headed in the new year.
“We will focus more on completing ongoing projects and invest in areas of urgent needs such as security hardwares, vehicles and technologies to enhance our response to kidnapping and activities of bad faith actors,” he said.
AbdulRazaq explained that some new projects would also be initiated to strengthen Kwara’s status as a leading service, creative and technology-driven economy in North Central Nigeria.
He said the 2026 budget, tagged Budget of Consolidation and Sustained Growth, was based on national economic projections, including an oil price benchmark of 64.85 dollars per barrel, daily oil production of 1.84 million barrels, an exchange rate of N1,400 to the dollar and a GDP growth estimate of 4.68 per cent.
According to him, the successful completion of projects would expand the state’s economic base, improve the business climate, create jobs and free up resources to deepen social protection for the poor.
“We believe in the wellbeing of every segment of our state.
“This is evident not just in the size of the allocation to Economic Affairs, which stands at 26.46 per cent, but also in the inclusive policies that define our administration,” the Governor said.
He announced the approval of a new Teachers Salary Allowance to take effect in 2026, alongside recent adjustments to the earnings of medical officers, as part of efforts to attract and retain skilled professionals in the health and education sectors.
The governor also highlighted massive investment in the Alfalfa Estate, aimed at reducing herder-farmer conflicts, boosting food security and empowering thousands of residents across the agricultural value chain.
Reviewing achievements under the outgoing budget, AbdulRazaq said 38 roads and 29 interlock access lanes had been completed across the state, while over 264 kilometres of roads are currently at different stages of construction in the three senatorial districts.
He added that the Kwara Innovation Hub has been completed, contributing over 20 million dollars to the state’s tech economy, alongside progress on major projects such as the Kwara Hotel, International Conference Centre, Patigi Regatta Motel, Dada Pottery, Shea Butter factories, Shonga ICT Complex, Prototype Primary School in Adeta, Revenue House, Indoor Sports Hall and the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hospital.
According to him, both campuses of Kwara State University in Osi and Ilesha Baruba have also been delivered, while construction has commenced at the permanent site of the Kwara State University of Education and within the Kwara Smart City.
“The 2026 budget is critical for our legacy as an administration, and I urge this Honourable House to expedite legislative action on it,” the Governor said.
Earlier, Speaker of the House Salihu Yakubu-Danladi commended AbdulRazaq for his commitment to transparency, accountability and respect for the separation of powers.
“Your administration has demonstrated a high level of fiscal discipline by strictly adhering to the principles of transparency and accountability in the utilization of public resources.
“This commitment has strengthened public confidence in government and reinforced the Legislature–Executive partnership for good governance,” the Speaker said.
He praised the governor’s inclusive approach and assured that lawmakers would give the proposal prompt attention, engage relevant ministries and agencies and ensure that the final budget reflects the priorities of the state.
The budget presentation was witnessed by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, members of the National Assembly, the Grand Kadi of Kwara State, cabinet members, traditional rulers and leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
