Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday presented a proposed Appropriation Bill of N891.99 billion for the 2026 fiscal year, which represented an increase from the N684 billion approved by the House of Assembly for the 2025 fiscal year.
The governor formally presented the “Budget of Economic Expansion” at the Chamber of the Oyo State House of Assembly in Ibadan.
The ceremony was attended by several prominent traditional rulers, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; and the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, among others.
Governor Makinde explained that N389.34 billion of the proposed budget would be allocated to recurrent expenditure, while N502.65 billion would be directed towards capital projects.
He stated that the Infrastructure sector would receive N210.02 billion, the Education sector would receive N155.21 billion, the Health sector would be allocated N70.81 billion, and the Agricultural sector would receive N19.99 billion, while other multisectoral initiatives would collectively receive N435.9 billion.
The governor highlighted several flagship projects expected to drive economic expansion in the state, including AfCFTA-focused initiatives, the Oluyole Free Trade Zone, Special Agricultural Zones, dry and logistics ports, the upgrading of Ladoke Akintola Airport, and the development of the 110-kilometre Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road designed to connect major commercial corridors.
He also noted that the state would celebrate its 50th anniversary in February 2026 with the theme, “Renewal: A celebration of where we have come from and where we are going.”
Makinde emphasised that the state’s greatest resource continued to be its people and their creativity.
The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, in his remarks, described the 2026 budget proposal as ambitious, people-centred, and strategically aligned with the developmental priorities of the state.
He explained that the proposal was the outcome of extensive stakeholder engagements across all seven geopolitical zones of the state, thereby ensuring that the needs and aspirations of the populace were reflected in the budget.
The Speaker commended the strong focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, describing these areas as essential to sustainable development and human capital growth.
He stated that the budget, with a total value of N891,985,074,480.79, represented a bold fiscal direction intended to deepen development and improve human capital in Oyo State.
Ogundoyin assured the executive of the legislature’s commitment to timely passage of the bill and to robust oversight to ensure accountability and measurable impact.
He added that the 10th Assembly had, over the last two years, passed 32 bills, considered 110 committee reports, moved 125 motions, deliberated on 45 matters of urgent public importance, and adopted more than 500 resolutions addressing socio-economic issues.
He further noted that Oyo State remained the only state in Nigeria to have established a Post-Legislative Scrutiny Unit, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and effective lawmaking.
He also called the governor’s attention to the outstanding demands of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, urging prompt action on matters such as the CONLESS review, remuneration for deputy clerks, full legislative autonomy, and the renovation of the Assembly complex.
In a separate development, Governor Makinde reassured residents of the government’s readiness to respond to security challenges across the state.
He disclosed that the government had procured two brand-new aircraft for aerial security surveillance covering all 33 local government areas and explained that the aircraft would commence operations upon delivery.
The governor stated that residents had no reason to be fearful because the state possesses a robust security architecture capable of responding effectively to emerging threats.
While commenting on the protest staged by some residents regarding the ongoing Circular Road project, he said he was not disturbed by threats and noted that the road corridor had been approved before his administration came into office.
He explained that previous administrations had approved the route and that the details had been published in national newspapers in 2018.
The governor reiterated that his administration was merely implementing what it met on the ground and stated that those affected would be integrated appropriately into the project plan.
Kemi Olaitan
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