Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo last week presented a ₦939.85 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill, tagged the “Budget of Hope and Growth,” to the Edo State House of Assembly presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku for consideration.
The 2026 budget proposes ₦637 billion (68 per cent) for capital expenditure and ₦302 billion (32 per cent) for recurrent expenditure. Funding sources include projected IGR of ₦160 billion, FAAC allocations of ₦480 billion, capital receipts and grants of ₦153 billion, Public-Private Partnerships valued at ₦146 billion, and other revenue streams.
Sectoral allocations show ₦614.2 billion for the economic sector, ₦148.9 billion for the social sector, ₦157.7 billion for the administration sector, and ₦19 billion for the justice sector, with additional provisions for regional development and support to local government councils.
Sen. Okpebholo said at the presentation ceremony that the budget is anchored on his administration’s SHINE Agenda—Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources/Agriculture and Education—and aims at delivering inclusive, people-centred development.
Sen. Okpebholo disclosed that 28 new road projects covering about 255 kilometres had been awarded, including two flyover projects in Benin City at Ramat Park and Sapele Road by Adesuwa Junction. He said the flyovers would be the first in the history of Edo State, while several community roads were also under construction to improve connectivity.
The 2026 budget allocates a substantial amount to road infrastructure development, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving the state’s road network. The increased funding will enable the government to embark on new projects and complete ongoing ones, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
The budget highlights the government’s focus on rural road development, with a significant portion of the allocation going towards the construction and rehabilitation of rural roads. This will improve access to rural areas, facilitate economic activity, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents in these areas.
The budget also allocates funds for the rehabilitation of existing roads, which had suffered from years of neglect. The rehabilitation work will involve resurfacing, patching, and other necessary repairs to ensure that the roads are safe and durable.
In addition to rehabilitating existing roads, the budget also provides for the construction of new ones. This will not only improve the state’s road network but also facilitate the movement of goods and people, thereby stimulating economic growth.
The budget includes plans for the dualization of major roads in the state, which will significantly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. This project will also create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the construction sector.
The government has also indicated its willingness to collaborate with development partners to fund road infrastructure projects. This collaboration will enable the government to access funding and expertise that will enhance the quality of road infrastructure in the state.
The budget’s focus on road infrastructure development is expected to create jobs for residents, both in the construction sector and in industries that rely on good road networks. This will have a positive impact on the state’s economy and improve the overall quality of life for residents. The government’s investment in road infrastructure will also lead to improved safety on the state’s roads. Better-maintained roads will reduce the risk of accidents, and the government will also be able to implement safety measures such as road signs and markings.
The improved road network will also enhance economic activity in the state, making it easier for businesses to transport goods and for people to commute to work and business location. This will have a positive impact on the state’s economy and improve the overall quality of life for residents.
While the budget is a step in the right direction, contractors handling road construction projects across the state must adhere to specifications, manage funds effectively, and address potential environmental impacts. To this end, government must establish a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track the progress of projects and ensure that they are completed on time and to required standards.
The government must also engage with communities along the road corridors to ensure that their concerns are addressed and that they benefit from the projects. This will help to build trust and ensure that the projects are completed successfully.
In conclusion, the budget presented by the Edo State Governor demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the state’s road infrastructure. The allocation of significant funds to road construction and rehabilitation projects will positively impact the state’s economy and improve the overall quality of life for residents. With effective implementation and community engagement, the projects will be completed successfully, and the state will benefit from improved road infrastructure.
