By Joye Ayaba, JKNewsMedia Intern
SHARP GROWTH in projected government spending formed the centre of deliberations as the Ogun State Government proposed a total expenditure of N1,668,997,993,125.44 for the 2026 fiscal year, representing a 63 percent increase from the 2025 budget of N1.054 trillion.
The proposal, titled the “Budget of Sustainable Legacy,” was presented before members of the State House of Assembly at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, where Governor Dapo Abiodun outlined the framework, funding sources, sectoral allocations, and development priorities captured in the Appropriation Bill.
The presentation detailed how the proposed budget consists of N624.76 billion for recurrent expenditure, accounting for 37 percent of the total sum, and N1.044 trillion for capital expenditure, representing 63 percent.
According to the Governor, personnel costs in the 2026 plan are projected at N167.92 billion, while consolidated revenue charges stand at N65.80 billion, listing public debt charges at N99.98 billion, overhead costs at N291.06 billion, and capital expenditure at N1.044 trillion.
Governor Abiodun explained that projected revenue includes N509.88 billion from Internally Generated Revenue.
He stated that N250 billion is expected from the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service, while Ministries, Departments and Agencies are projected to generate N259.80 billion, adding that statutory allocation from the Federal Government is projected at N554.81 billion.
Capital receipts of N518.90 billion are also anticipated, comprising internal and external loans and grants allocated to support the financing plan.
Sectoral allocations were outlined during the session.
The Governor stated that Education will receive N275.40 billion, representing 17 percent of the proposed expenditure.
He added that Health is allocated N210.59 billion (13 percent), while Housing and Community Development will receive N199.96 billion (10 percent).
He listed Agriculture and Industry at N40.54 billion (2 percent). Infrastructure takes the largest share with N526.15 billion, representing 32 percent of the entire proposal.
Other allocations include Social Protection at N72.82 billion (4 percent),
Recreation, Culture and Religion at N42.24 billion (3 percent), and General Public Service, Executive Organ at N55.65 billion (3 percent).
General Public Service, Financial and Fiscal Affairs stands at N52.30 billion (3 percent), while Personnel Service accounts for N3.86 billion (0.2 percent).
Public Order and Safety is allocated N36 billion (2 percent), Economic Affairs receives N7.45 billion (0.4 percent), Judiciary is assigned N15.70 billion (1 percent), and the Legislature receives N33.67 billion (2 percent). Statewide Expenditure is budgeted at N129.68 billion, representing 8 percent.
Governor Abiodun said the 2026 budget would prioritise the completion of key projects under the ISEYA development pillars.
He stated that the government will focus on projects with strong revenue-generating potential, those that enhance employment, initiatives aligned with the State Economic Development Plan and Strategy, projects consistent with the Medium-Term National Development Plan, and those aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Reviewing the implementation of the 2025 Budget of Hope and Prosperity, Governor Abiodun said the state recorded 60 percent of its pro-rata expenditure target and 53 percent of its pro-rata revenue performance as of 30 September 2025.
He stated that the 2025 budget was designed to stimulate inclusive growth, reduce inequality, and improve the quality of life across the state.
He added that it intended to expand opportunities across sectors and deploy targeted social interventions to address urgent needs.
The Governor described the 2026 budget proposal as significant, noting that it comes at a time of improved economic performance, renewed investor confidence, and growth across key sectors.
He disclosed that the state now has an estimated Gross Domestic Product valued at N17 trillion.
He added that Internally Generated Revenue has risen from N52 billion in 2020 to nearly N192 billion in 2024, with expectations of N250 billion in 2025.
He outlined recent investments, stating that infrastructure remains central to the administration’s development agenda.
He said the Gateway International Airport has been fully certified and has commenced commercial flight operations between Ogun and Abuja.
The Governor said the airport is designed to support export-driven agriculture and create high-quality jobs.
He added that the Kajola and Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Ports are projected to reduce transport costs, support export expansion, and open opportunities in logistics and agro-processing.
He noted that the administration has constructed and rehabilitated over 1,500 km of roads within six years, stating that the developments have strengthened connectivity and productivity.
Governor Abiodun called for the speedy passage of the Appropriation Bill and highlighted forthcoming events, including the Gateway Afrobeat Drum Festival and the state’s 50th Anniversary celebration scheduled for 2026.
He thanked lawmakers and stakeholders, including royal fathers, youth groups, labour unions, security agencies, religious bodies, and public servants for sustaining peace and stability.
Earlier in the session, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, welcomed the Governor and stated that the Assembly had considered 19 bills during the period under review, with 11 passed into law.
He said the laws covered areas such as energy, education, local government administration, and environmental matters, while eight other bills are progressing through various stages.
The Speaker added that the House passed 56 resolutions across security, finance, education, land administration, infrastructure, and community development.
He said the Assembly ensures that funds appropriated in annual budgets are duly applied, adding that oversight visits to project sites accompany requests for expenditure reports from MDAs.
Also, Hon. Elemide requested the establishment of a special court for enforcing the Anti-Land Grabbing Law, adding that the Assembly has settled more than 100 disputes involving land matters, chieftaincy concerns, environmental issues, and transport unions within the year.
He commended Governor Abiodun for the prompt payment of constituency allowances and for the renovation of the Assembly Complex, while appealing for more electronic office equipment and additional legislative staff.
