Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has presented a 2026 budget estimate of ₦1.016 trillion to the State House of Assembly. The proposal, titled “Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities,” reflects a 13% increase from the 2025 fiscal year.
Governor Otti disclosed that the budget allocates ₦811.8 billion to capital expenditure and ₦204.4 billion to recurrent expenditure, representing 80% and 20% of the total budget respectively. He said the increase demonstrates his administration’s drive for rapid socioeconomic growth, with infrastructure, social services, security, health, and education remaining top priorities. The health and education sectors collectively account for 35% of the entire budget for the third consecutive year.
“A total outlay of ₦811.8 billion for capital projects represents a 32% jump from our 2025 proposal of ₦726.4 billion,” Otti noted. He added that recurrent spending has also been expanded by 33% to support essential administrative functions and meet obligations to personnel, including thousands of newly hired workers.
According to the Governor, ₦150 billion has been earmarked for recurrent obligations, including salaries for about 15,000 teachers across primary and secondary schools. The budget also makes provisions for the construction of 17 model primary and secondary schools and three technical colleges to strengthen vocational education.
On revenue projection, Otti announced that the state expects to generate ₦607 billion from internal and external sources, while the balance of ₦409 billion—about 40% of the budget—will be sourced from concessionary loans. He expressed optimism that recent gains in infrastructure and investor confidence would boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to ₦223.4 billion.
“The target for 2026 is that all recurrent expenditures shall be funded from IGR,” he said.
Reiterating his administration’s prudent borrowing policy, Otti assured that loans would be taken only when necessary and strictly for self-liquidating capital projects.
Infrastructure remains a major focus of the 2026 budget, with ₦169.3 billion allocated to road construction, reconstruction, and maintenance. Key projects for the year include the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, Ahiaeke–Okwuta–Bende Road, Umuahia–Umueze–Agwu–Mbom Road, Nkata–Amaeke Road, Agbo–Umueze Road, and several community-access routes across the state.
On transportation, the Governor announced a ₦11.1 billion allocation, including ₦6 billion for the purchase of 80 additional 40-seater electric buses. He added that the first batch of 20 electric buses had already been delivered and would commence operations soon. Funds have also been set aside for the completion of inter-modal transport terminals, bus shelters, and junction improvement works expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2026.
Governor Otti commended the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to improving the quality of life of Abia residents.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, described the budget presentation as a key milestone in the 2026 fiscal cycle. He assured the Governor that the 8th Assembly would give the proposal accelerated consideration to sustain and build on the administration’s achievements over the past two years.
