2026: Kogi Targets Inclusive Growth as Ododo Signs ₦820bn Budget
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has signed into law the 2026 Appropriation Bill, approving a budget of over ₦820 billion for the state. He described the fiscal plan as a “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” designed to promote sustainable growth and inclusive development across Kogi State.
The governor gave his assent shortly after the bill was passed by the Kogi State House of Assembly, commending lawmakers for their diligence and sense of duty, particularly for concluding the legislative process during the festive period.
Governor Ododo said the passage and signing of the budget marked an important step in the state’s development journey, praising the Assembly for placing the interest of Kogi State above other considerations. He assured residents that his administration would uphold fiscal discipline, transparency, and prudent management of public funds, stressing that all budgetary allocations would be implemented strictly in line with the law to improve the welfare of the people.
He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing fiscal reforms have widened revenue opportunities for sub-national governments and contributed to improved internally generated revenue in Kogi State.
According to the governor, the state has recorded notable progress in key sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, road infrastructure, as well as women and youth empowerment. He said these gains would be strengthened and expanded in 2026, with a continued focus on wealth creation, infrastructure development, food security, quality education, accessible healthcare, and improved road connectivity.
Governor Ododo emphasized that governance, rather than politics, would guide his administration’s actions in the coming year.
He further disclosed plans to develop an international cargo airport in the state, citing Kogi’s strategic location as the closest state to the Federal Capital Territory and its abundant mineral resources. The governor revealed that seven professional consultants were engaged to design the airport over a nine-month period, adding that the project had successfully passed all required design stages.
According to him, the procurement process for the airport project is expected to commence by the end of January 2026. He assured that the project would be executed with full transparency, active legislative oversight, and without compromising staff welfare or state security, stressing that it was structured to minimize financial risk to the state.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Aliyu Yusuf, described the passage of the 2026 budget and other key legislation as part of the governor’s enduring legacy. He said the administration’s financial prudence had contributed to a reduction in the state’s debt profile and positioned Kogi State to responsibly access development financing.
Other bills assented to by the governor include laws domesticating federal tax reforms, measures to curb multiple taxation, legislation to expand revenue generation following recent Supreme Court judgments on lottery operations, and an audit law granting greater independence to auditors to strengthen accountability and the fight against corruption.
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