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Gov Ododo targets inclusive growth, stronger security, and wider economic participation.
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2026 budget rises 35.7% from previous year, focusing on revenue expansion and continuity.
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Cabinet adopts measures to boost water supply, land protection, and highway safety.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has approved a draft budget of ₦820.49 billion for the 2026 fiscal year, describing it as a “Budget of Shared Prosperity” to drive inclusive development and economic resilience across the state.
The approval was given during Thursday’s State Executive Council meeting in Lokoja, where members reviewed the state’s fiscal outlook and adopted new policies for infrastructure, safety, and revenue generation.
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The Commissioner for Finance, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, said the new budget represents a 35.7 per cent increase from the ₦604.45 billion revised estimate for 2025. He explained that the focus is on expanding the state’s internally generated revenue, improving debt recovery, promoting private-sector participation, and ensuring project continuity.
“The 2026 budget will consolidate on the gains of the ‘Budget of Inclusive Development’ by fostering shared prosperity for all citizens of Kogi State,” Idris said.
He disclosed that the 2025 revised budget had projected ₦399.3 billion in total revenue, with ₦245.4 billion already realised by September.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Evangelist Kingsley Fanwo, said Governor Ododo also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to public safety and sustainable water access.
“The governor remains unrelenting and unwavering in his determination to stamp out all forms of criminality in the state,” Fanwo said, adding that each commissioner was directed to sink three boreholes within their local government areas to expand access to potable water.
The council also resolved to impose daytime movement restrictions on articulated vehicles along the Natako–Felele highway in Lokoja to curb frequent road accidents involving heavy-duty trucks.
In another move, the state government announced plans to withdraw consent authority from traditional rulers and local bodies found issuing illegal land approvals, a step aimed at curbing land fraud and protecting rightful owners.
