From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has proposed a N644.04 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, with a strong focus on completing ongoing projects, boosting security and improving the welfare of workers and vulnerable residents across the state.
Presenting the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Kwara State House of Assembly on Monday, the Governor said about 65.98 per cent of the budget has been earmarked for capital expenditure, while 34.02 per cent will go to recurrent spending, including salaries, social protection and other essential services.
AbdulRazaq described the proposal as a budget of “Consolidation and Sustained Growth,” noting that it is designed to deepen the gains of his administration and position Kwara for long-term economic expansion.
“With profound gratitude to God for His mercies and guidance, I again stand before this Honourable House to lay the 2026 Appropriation Bill in compliance with Section 121 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the Governor said.
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“The total size of the proposal is N644,004,816,893.00. About 65.98 per cent is for capital expenditure, while the remaining 34.02 per cent is for recurrent spending. These allocations clearly show our priorities for the coming year.”
He said the government would concentrate on completing existing projects while also initiating new ones that align with the strategic needs of the state, particularly in the area of security.
“We will focus more on completing ongoing projects and invest in areas of urgent need such as security hardware, vehicles and modern technologies to enhance our response to kidnapping and other criminal activities,” AbdulRazaq stated.
According to him, the budget assumptions are based on an oil price benchmark of 64.85 dollars per barrel, daily oil production of 1.84 million barrels, an exchange rate of N1,400 to a dollar and a projected GDP growth rate of 4.68 per cent.
The Governor expressed confidence that the planned investments would expand Kwara’s economic base, attract businesses, create jobs and free up more resources for social protection programmes targeting the poor.
He said the administration’s commitment to human capital development is reflected in allocations to economic affairs and recent policy decisions aimed at improving service delivery.
“We believe in the wellbeing of every segment of our state. Beyond the 26.46 per cent allocated to Economic Affairs, we have approved an adjustment in the earnings of Medical Officers to attract and retain professionals for the benefit of our people,” he said.
AbdulRazaq also announced that a new Teachers Salary Allowance would take effect in 2026 to further support teachers, alongside ongoing investments in health and education infrastructure.
On agriculture and food security, the Governor disclosed that the state is making massive investments in the Alfalfa Estate to reduce herder–farmer clashes, strengthen food production and empower thousands of residents along the agricultural value chain.
Highlighting achievements of the outgoing year, he said 38 roads and 29 interlock access lanes had been completed across the state, while over 264 kilometres of roads are currently at different stages of construction across the three senatorial districts.
He added that major projects such as the Innovation Hub, Kwara Hotel, International Conference Centre, Patigi Regatta Motel, Shea Butter factories, Shonga ICT Complex, Revenue House, Indoor Sports Hall and the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hospital have recorded significant milestones.
“The Innovation Hub alone has grown our tech economy by more than 20 million dollars and is offering great value to our people,” the Governor noted.
AbdulRazaq said both campuses of Kwara State University in Osi and Ilesha Baruba have been completed, while construction has commenced at the permanent site of the Kwara State University of Education and within the Kwara Smart City.
Describing the 2026 budget as critical to the legacy of his administration, he urged lawmakers to give it speedy consideration.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, commended the Governor for his respect for the separation of powers, fiscal discipline and commitment to transparency.
“Your administration has demonstrated a high level of accountability in the use of public resources, which has strengthened public confidence in government and reinforced the Legislature–Executive partnership for good governance,” the Speaker said.
He added that the House was encouraged by the spread of projects across the state and assured that the legislature would give the proposal urgent attention and engage relevant ministries, departments and agencies to ensure it reflects the priorities of Kwarans.
The budget presentation was witnessed by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, House of Representatives member Raheem Tunji Olawuyi, the Grand Kadi of Kwara State, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, members of the State Executive Council, first-class traditional rulers and party leaders, including the APC state chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi.
