Kogi Govt Budgets N820.4b for 2026 Fiscal Year, over 250,000 jobs to be created

By Maryam Abubakar Gulma and Abah Benjamin Eneojoh.

The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Tuesday presented a ₦820,490,585,443 budget for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly in Lokoja, outlining a plan the administration says is anchored on enhanced revenue generation, disciplined expenditure and expanded capital investment.

Titled “Budget of Shared Prosperity: Driving Sustainable Growth for All,” the 2026 Appropriation Bill, Ododo told lawmakers, prioritises infrastructure, human capital development and economic intervention programmes designed to boost household welfare and expand the state’s productive base.

The Governor projected a positive economic outlook for 2026, forecasting a 6.2 per cent rise in agricultural output and 4.7 per cent growth in the industrial sector. He said the plan aims to raise the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the state’s GDP from 24 per cent to 27 per cent.

Ododo also announced that the budget will support the creation of more than 250,000 jobs through capital projects, agricultural expansion programmes and targeted MSME interventions, stressing that stronger revenue mobilisation and tighter expenditure control will underpin implementation.

Explaining the administration’s fiscal strategy, the Governor said the budget seeks to: deepen investments in growth-driving sectors; aggressively offset federal debts; strengthen the investment climate; block revenue leakages; and enforce expenditure discipline across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

To mitigate the impact of the recent fuel subsidy removal and cushion vulnerable households, Ododo said the budget embeds social protection measures and interventions in rural infrastructure, agriculture, SME support, alternative energy and development partnerships. He said these measures are expected to stimulate growth, create jobs and raise living standards across the state.

“The effective implementation will require concerted efforts by all MDAs backed by strong political will and legislative support,” the Governor said, urging cooperation across government and with development partners.

Welcoming the presentation, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Yusuf Aliyu, said the budget gives lawmakers the opportunity to review 2025 performance and ensure the 2026 priorities reflect the aspirations of the people. He pledged that the House would give the appropriation bill accelerated but diligent consideration in line with global best legislative practices.

The Speaker urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies to fully cooperate with House committees during the budget defence to ensure timely passage of the bill. He also commended the Governor for granting full autonomy to the Assembly, saying it has strengthened accountability, transparency and institutional capacity.

Rt. Hon. Aliyu further applauded the administration’s investments in fiscal discipline, infrastructure, security, healthcare, education, agriculture and public financial management, and reiterated the Legislature’s commitment to sustaining harmonious Executive–Legislative relations.

According to goggle,the size of the Kogi State government budget for 2025 is ₦582.4 billion, based on the budget signed into law by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Edited by Dada Ahmed