Abia State Governor Alex Otti has unveiled a proposed budget of N1,016,228,072,652 for the 2026 fiscal year, labeling it the “Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities.” This ambitious proposal represents a 13% increase over the 2025 budget of N750.28 billion, signaling a strong commitment to the state’s rapid socio-economic development.
Governor Otti emphasized that the budget prioritizes transformative investments in infrastructure, social services, and security, reflecting his administration’s dedication to improving the lives of Abia residents.
A detailed breakdown shows that N811.81 billion, or 80% of the total budget, is earmarked for capital expenditure, marking a 32% rise from the previous year’s N726.4 billion allocation. This surge underscores the government’s focus on building robust infrastructure and delivering large-scale development projects. Meanwhile, recurrent expenditure is projected at N204.41 billion (20%), a 33% increase from 2025, to support administrative operations and accommodate thousands of new employees joining the state payroll.
The education sector remains a key priority, securing 20% of the total budget, amounting to N203.2 billion. Out of this, N150.4 billion is dedicated to recurrent costs, including salaries for about 15,000 teachers, while the remainder will fund the construction of 17 model primary and secondary schools and three technical colleges, enhancing vocational and skills training across the state.
Infrastructure projects also take center stage, with road construction receiving N169.3 billion, equivalent to 16.7% of the capital expenditure, highlighting the administration’s determination to improve connectivity and facilitate commerce.
On the revenue side, the governor projected N83.2 billion from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), N67.1 billion from VAT, N26.5 billion from grants and aids, and N168 billion from other federal sources. Additionally, internally generated revenue (IGR) is expected to contribute N223.4 billion, mainly to support recurrent expenditure.
Governor Otti noted that the total projected revenue of N607.2 billion from internal and external sources leaves a budget gap of N409 billion, which will be bridged through concessionary loans, explicitly earmarked for capital projects rather than recurrent spending.
The budget presentation was met with commendation from the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, who praised the governor’s prudent financial management and pledged that the proposal would be considered and passed expeditiously. The governor was accompanied to the Assembly by Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu and members of the State Executive Council, signaling strong alignment between the executive and legislative arms of the state government.
Governor Otti’s 2026 budget reflects a strategic push toward accelerated development, signaling a future where Abia State could witness transformative growth in education, infrastructure, and overall socio-economic prosperity.