The Kwara State House of Assembly has passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill, approving a total budget of ₦656.5 billion for the new fiscal year following a ₦10.5 billion increase from the initial proposal submitted by the executive arm of government.

The approval was announced during plenary in Ilorin, with the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, confirming that the upward review followed detailed scrutiny of the estimates to ensure fiscal realism and alignment with the state’s development priorities.

According to the Speaker, the adjustment was designed to strengthen funding for critical infrastructure and fast-track key development projects across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Breakdown of the Approved Budget

A breakdown of the approved budget shows that recurrent expenditure now stands at over ₦409.6 billion, reflecting an upward adjustment of about ₦10.5 billion from the original estimate.

Capital expenditure was also increased to ₦271 billion, up from the earlier ₦254 billion proposed by the executive. The increase is expected to boost funding for roads, public facilities, education, healthcare, agriculture, water projects, and other priority sectors.

The House also disclosed that debt servicing for the 2026 fiscal year is projected at ₦14.2 billion, slightly higher than earlier estimates.

Focus on Infrastructure and Service Delivery

Speaker Danladi-Salihu said the House carefully examined the budget in line with constitutional provisions and resolved to approve a realistic and implementable fiscal plan that would deliver tangible benefits to residents of the state.

He explained that the revised budget reflects the legislature’s commitment to ensuring that government spending aligns with economic realities while prioritising development-driven projects.

“The revised budget reflects the House’s commitment to ensuring that government spending aligns with developmental priorities and economic realities in the interest of Kwarans,” the Speaker said.

Executive Priorities and Development Agenda

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had earlier presented the 2026 budget to the House, describing it as a “Budget of Consolidation and Sustained Growth.” The proposal placed strong emphasis on completing ongoing projects, improving security, supporting workers’ welfare, and investing in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.

The administration has also highlighted ongoing and planned projects, including road construction, public facilities, education and health infrastructure, and initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth and job creation.

Oversight and Accountability

The House assured residents that it would continue to exercise its oversight responsibilities to ensure proper implementation of the budget and accountability in the use of public funds.

The legislature also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and value for money, noting that effective monitoring would be carried out to ensure that approved funds are utilised for their intended purposes.

With the passage of the Appropriation Bill, the clean copy of the budget is expected to be transmitted to the Governor for assent, paving the way for full implementation of the 2026 fiscal plan.