Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has presented a N644 billion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Kwara State House of Assembly.
Titled the “Budget of Consolidation and Sustained Growth,” the proposal allocates 65.98% to capital expenditure, signalling a strong push to finalise ongoing infrastructure projects.
The governor emphasised yesterday that the fiscal plan is designed to expand the state’s economic base, enhance security, and improve the welfare of workers and the vulnerable.
READ ALSO: AbdulRazaq approves N20bn for school infrastructure revamp
With N424.9 billion (65.98%) earmarked for capital projects, the administration aims to complete extensive roadworks and strategic facilities.
The governor reported that 38 roads were completed in the outgoing year, while over 264 kilometres of roads are currently at various stages of completion across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Key projects identified for completion and consolidation in 2026 include the Innovation Hub, which is already contributing more than $20 million to the local technology economy, and the Kwara Smart City project, where construction is ongoing following the recent foundation-laying ceremony.
The administration also highlighted major investments in tourism and hospitality, including the Kwara Hotel, the International Conference Centre, and the Patigi Regatta Motel.
In the health sector, plans include the completion of the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hospital, alongside upgrades to primary healthcare centres across the state.
A major pillar of the 2026 budget is the enhancement of the state’s security architecture.
AbdulRazaq announced plans to invest heavily in security hardware, vehicles, and surveillance technologies to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities.
On the welfare front, the governor announced two major interventions scheduled for implementation in 2026.
He said a new teachers’ salary allowance would be introduced to provide additional support for educators, while recent approvals for medical officers’ salary adjustments were aimed at retaining healthcare professionals within the state.
The governor also disclosed that the administration had made a significant investment in the Alfalfa Estate as part of efforts to curb herder–farmer clashes and strengthen food security.
The fiscal proposal was anchored on key national economic assumptions, including an oil price benchmark of $64.85 per barrel, an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the US dollar, projected GDP growth of 4.68%, and estimated oil production of 1.84 million barrels per day.
In terms of expenditure, capital expenditure accounted for 65.98% of the allocation, while recurrent expenditure made up 34.02%.
The proposal also earmarked 26.46% of total spending for economic affairs.
The Speaker of the House, Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, commended the governor for his fiscal discipline and adherence to the principle of separation of powers.
READ ALSO: Gov AbdulRazaq rewards Kwara United with ₦5m, land for Federation Cup victory
He assured that the House would expedite legislative action on the bill to ensure the continued delivery of democratic dividends to Kwarans.
The session was attended by top government officials, including Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, and traditional rulers led by the Etsu Patigi, Ibrahim Bologi II.
For more details, visit New Daily Prime at www.newdailyprime.news
