Nwifuru Unveils Massive N884.8bn Budget To Transform Ebonyi In 2026

According to Ireporter Online, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has submitted a budget estimate of N884.868 billion for the 2026 financial year to the State House of Assembly. Tagged the “Budget of Actualisation and Hope,” the proposal focuses on fast-tracking infrastructure development, strengthening human capital, and deepening ongoing reforms. The governor noted that the document was crafted in line with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs.

The budget earmarks N749.49 billion for capital expenditure, representing 84.7%, while N135.37 billion is proposed for recurrent spending. Nwifuru explained that the financial plan is intended to propel industrial growth, strengthen economic recovery, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

Sectoral allocations include N137.37 billion (15.52%) for the Administrative Sector; N492.93 billion (55.71%) for the Economic Sector; N5.03 billion (0.57%) for Law and Justice; N1.56 billion (0.18%) for the Regional Sector; and N247.97 billion (28.02%) for the Social Sector.

The governor recalled the heavy debt burden and backlog of unpaid pensions inherited by his administration, stating that thousands of pensioners have since been settled. He highlighted major achievements recorded in the 2025 fiscal year, including empowerment support for more than 5,000 beneficiaries, vocational and agribusiness training for youths and women, and significant progress across the education sector.

According to reports, key milestones include the establishment of the University of ICT in Oferekpe with over 20 accredited courses, the commencement of the University of Aeronautic Engineering in Ezza, the construction of 43 model secondary schools, and the award of more than 1,000 scholarships both locally and internationally.

In the health sector, Nwifuru outlined improvements such as free maternal healthcare, enhanced emergency response with newly acquired ambulances, upgrades of general hospitals, increased recruitment of health workers, and the revitalisation of the drug revolving fund.

He also noted that agriculture has received a boost through expanded mechanisation in all 13 local government areas, fertiliser distribution, support for cooperatives, the ongoing construction of an Ebonyi Feed Mill, and the revival of the Nkaliki Hatchery expected to create approximately 2,000 jobs.

According to Ireporter Online, the governor listed major infrastructure projects such as the VANCO Flyover and Tunnel, completion of the Iziogo Tunnel, ongoing flyover works at Nwezenyi and Nwofe Junction, and the rehabilitation of several township and rural roads. He applauded security agencies for maintaining peace and said efforts were still underway to resolve the Effium-Alioma boundary dispute. Updates were also provided on the Ebonyi Industrial City, the state-owned cement factory, and the Waste-to-Wealth Plant in Umuoghara.

Nwifuru stated that water supply projects in Oferekpe, Abakaliki Lowlift, and Ezillo have been revived, while reservoir construction and reticulation works are ongoing in Iboko and Ivo. He appealed to the Assembly for swift passage of the bill, adding that the budget reflects his administration’s “determination, discipline, and sincerity” amid nationwide economic challenges.