AbdulRazaq Prioritises Project Completion, Security in N644bn 2026 Budget
0
0
AbdulRazaq Prioritises Project Completion, Security in N644bn 2026 Budget
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Monday presented a N644.004bn Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, with strong emphasis on completing ongoing projects, strengthening security architecture and deepening social welfare.
Tagged “Budget of Consolidation and Sustained Growth,” the proposal allocates about 65.98 per cent of the total outlay to capital expenditure, while 34.02 per cent is earmarked for recurrent spending, including workers’ welfare and support for vulnerable citizens.
Presenting the bill in compliance with Section 121 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Governor said the budget reflects the administration’s resolve to consolidate development gains and address priority needs of the state.
READ ALSO: Troops Foil N15.6m Oil Theft, Arrest Gunrunners, Impostors
“The total size of the proposal is N644,004,816,893.00. Of this, 65.98 per cent goes to capital expenditure, while the rest takes care of recurrent spending,” AbdulRazaq said.
He explained that the 2026 fiscal plan would focus largely on completing ongoing capital projects, while also initiating new ones that align with Kwara’s strategic development objectives.
According to him, the government will invest significantly in security hardware, vehicles and modern technologies to boost the state’s response to kidnapping and other criminal activities.
“We will also consolidate Kwara’s position as the strongest service, creative and tech economy in Northern Nigeria,” the Governor added.
AbdulRazaq said the budget assumptions were premised on a national oil price benchmark of 64.85 dollars per barrel, daily oil production of 1.84 million barrels, exchange rate of N1,400 to the dollar and GDP growth rate of 4.68 per cent.
He expressed confidence that the completion of ongoing projects would expand the state’s economic base, create jobs, improve the business environment and free up resources to deepen social protection for the poor.
The Governor noted that economic affairs account for 26.46 per cent of the budget, reflecting the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and public welfare.
He announced an upward review of Medical Officers’ earnings to attract and retain professionals in the health sector, while a new Teachers Salary Allowance (TSA) is expected to take effect in 2026 to further support teachers.
AbdulRazaq also disclosed massive investments in the Alfalfa Estate project, aimed at reducing herder-farmer clashes, boosting food security and empowering thousands of people across the agricultural value chain.
Highlighting achievements of the outgoing year, the Governor said 38 roads and 29 interlock access lanes were completed across the state, while over 264 kilometres of roads are currently at various stages of completion across the three senatorial districts.
He added that the Kwara Innovation Hub has been completed, growing the state’s tech economy by over 20 million dollars, alongside progress on major projects such as the Kwara Hotel, International Conference Centre, Patigi Regatta Motel, Dada Pottery, Shea Butter factories, Shonga ICT Complex, Revenue House, Indoor Sports Hall and the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hospital.
The Governor further listed significant investments in education, health, water and agriculture, including the delivery of the Osi and Ilesha Baruba campuses of Kwara State University, foundation laying for the Kwara State University of Education and ongoing construction in the Kwara Smart City.
Describing the 2026 budget as critical to his administration’s legacy, AbdulRazaq urged the House to expedite legislative action on the proposal.
Earlier, Speaker of the House, Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, commended the Governor for his respect for the principle of separation of powers, transparency and fiscal discipline.
“Your administration has demonstrated a high level of accountability in the use of public resources, which has strengthened public confidence and reinforced the Legislature–Executive partnership,” the Speaker said.
He assured that the House would give the bill prompt attention, engage relevant ministries, departments and agencies, and ensure that the final budget reflects the priorities of the state.
The budget presentation was attended by the Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi; House of Representatives member, Raheem Tunji Olawuyi; the Grand Kadi of Kwara State, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen; members of the State Executive Council; traditional rulers led by the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II; and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
