Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has presented N1.016 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill before the legislative Arm for approval, with N811.8 billion, representing 80 per cent in the proposal tied to Capital projects.
Tagged “Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities”, was presented on Tuesday,
Governor Otti said the proposal reflects his administration’s determination to “drive rapid socio-economic growth and unlock new opportunities” across the Southern State.
Accordingly, the allocation to Capital projects represents a 32% increase from 2025, while the sum of N204.4 billion (20%) is for the recurrent spending, reflecting expanded personnel obligations and administrative needs in the year 2026.
A breakdown of the Appropriation Bill indicates that Education retained the highest priority with 20% of the budget (N203.2 billion), the Governor said.
Oteri revealed that the fund will cover salaries for 15,000 teachers, construction of 17 model primary/secondary schools, 3 technical colleges, and ICT laboratories and staff quarters in over 100 schools.
Also, tertiary institutions—Abia State University, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, and Arochukwu College of Education—will share N52.8 billion for salaries, hostels, lecture theatres, and upgrades.
Health got N149.7 billion representing (15%), which is meant to address renovation of 7 general hospitals, provision of critical equipment for ABSUTH and 23 other health centres, and manpower development.
The administration also disclosed plans to invest N11.1 billion in public transport, with N6 billion set aside for 80 additional electric buses and completion of modular transport terminals.
The Governor also announced that Abia has acquired electricity distribution assets outside the Aba ring-fenced zone and is advancing its push for energy independence through ASERA and the new State Electricity Law in response to Energy needs of Abia.
The Governor who also reserved N169.3 billion (16.7%) for aggressive road infrastructure. Key road projects across the State, gave sectorial breakdown of the budget performance in the previous year.
