Edo State Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor, has said the 2026 Appropriation Bill presented by Governor Monday Okpebholo was a strategic shift from routine fiscal planning to impact-driven public finance.
He said the budget was designed to accelerate infrastructure renewal, expand employment opportunities and strengthen social services.
The commissioner, who spoke yesterday while briefing reporters on details of the budget, said it aligned with Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which prioritised security, health care, infrastructure, natural resources and agriculture, and education.
He said sectors capable of unlocking productivity, reducing inequality and integrating underserved communities into the state’s economic framework were captured.
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Okoebor said: “Infrastructure dominates the budget, with N420.62 billion allocated to the sector. Of this amount, over N305 billion is earmarked for road construction and rehabilitation. Governor Okpebholo believes improved road networks will ease the movement of goods and people, reduce transaction costs and improve access to health care, education and markets, particularly in rural areas.
‘’Agriculture received N68 billion in targeted funding. The provision supports livestock development through a dedicated ministry, offering a structured and preventive response to farmer–herder conflicts, while strengthening agricultural value chains.
“Job creation is another major feature of the 2026 Budget, with N116.46 billion set aside for employment-related programmes. The allocation is expected to generate jobs through infrastructure development, agriculture and expanded government activities.
“The budget also provides N8.9 billion for social welfare programmes targeting women, youths, children and other vulnerable groups, as part of efforts to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity.”