Abia State Governor Alex Otti has proposed N1.016 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year.
The governor presented the budget tagged “Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities” on the floor of the State House of Assembly in Umuahia on Tuesday.
Governor Otti said the appropriation bill, which earmarked 80 percent for capital projects, reflected his administration’s determination to “drive rapid socioeconomic growth and unlock new opportunities” across the state.
Giving a breakdown of the proposed sum, Otti said “N811.8 billion (80%) is dedicated to capital expenditure, a 32% increase from 2025. N204.4 billion (20%) is for recurrent spending, reflecting expanded personnel obligations and administrative needs.”
Education retained the highest priority with 20% of the budget (N203.2 billion).
The funds, according to Gov Otti will cover salaries for 15,000 teachers, construction of 17 model primary/secondary schools, three technical colleges, and ICT labs and staff quarters in over 100 schools.
Tertiary institutions like Abia State University, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, and Arochukwu College of Education, will share N52.8 billion for salaries, hostels, lecture theatres, and upgrades, the governor said.
“Health receives N149.7 billion (15%), targeting renovation of 7 general hospitals, provision of critical equipment for ABSUTH and 23 other health centres, and manpower development.
“The government also reserved N169.3 billion (16.7%) for aggressive road infrastructure. Key road projects include: Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road;
Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende Road; Nkata-Amaeke Road; Agbo-Umueze-Mbom Road; Umuoji, Mgboko, and Amauzukwu-Mbom roads, among others,” he added.
According to the governor, his administration will invest N11.1 billion in public transport, with N6 billion set aside for 80 additional electric buses and completion of modular transport terminals.
On energy, the governor announced that Abia has acquired electricity distribution assets outside the Aba ring-fenced zone, adding that it was advancing its push for energy independence through ASERA and the new State Electricity Law.
“The state is projecting a total revenue of N607.2 billion from both internal and external sources, including N223.4 billion IGR; N83.2 billion FAAC; N67.1 billion VAT;
N26.5 billion grants, and N168 billion other federal inflows.
“This leaves a N409 billion deficit, to be financed through concessional loans exclusively for capital projects.
“Not a penny shall be borrowed to fund recurrent expenditure,” Otti assured lawmakers.
The governor thanked the 8th Assembly for its cooperation and pledged continued transparency and accountability.
