Abia Deputy Governor’s Office Reaffirms Transparency and Fiscal Discipline During 2026 Budget Defence.

…as Budget of Consolidation” Targets Growth, Peace, and Agricultural Revitalization

In a strong demonstration of commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparent governance, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Abia State Deputy Governor, Barrister Chijioke Nwankwo, has reiterated the Otti-led administration’s unwavering dedication to accountability, transparency, and prudent resource management during the 2026 budget defence session for the Office of the Deputy Governor.

Representing the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Barrister Nwankwo presented the proposed 2026 budget before the Ministry of Budget and Planning, emphasizing that the office remains a vital pillar in supporting the Governor’s policy direction and ensuring the efficient coordination of governmental activities.

The proposed fiscal plan, aptly themed the “Budget of Consolidation,” is strategically designed to strengthen human capital development while accelerating socio-economic and infrastructural transformation across Abia State. 

Nwankwo outlined major focus areas for 2026, which include agricultural expansion, peace building, reconciliation efforts, and the continuation of people-oriented programs that align with the vision of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.

Reflecting on the 2025 performance year, Nwankwo highlighted the active role of the Deputy Governor’s Office in peace and reconciliation committees, as well as its involvement in agricultural revitalization initiatives that have continued to yield measurable results under the present administration.

He, however, appealed for a modest upward review of the office’s budgetary allocation to enable improved operational capacity and enhanced service delivery, stressing that adequate funding is critical to sustaining the momentum of ongoing developmental projects.

Responding, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Kingsley Anosike, lauded the Deputy Governor’s Office for its disciplined approach to budget implementation. He reaffirmed that the budget defence exercise remains an integral process in determining the state’s spending priorities, especially in light of prevailing economic challenges and limited resources.

Hon. Anosike further urged all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to tailor their financial requests in line with fiscal realities, emphasizing that the 2026 fiscal year will focus on consolidating existing gains and ensuring that every expenditure directly contributes to Abia’s development objectives.

The session concluded on a constructive and cordial note, with key officials from the Deputy Governor’s Office including the Director of Administration, Rev. Sister Iheme Nkemdirichukwu; the Director of Finance, Mr. Nmecha Udo; and other senior finance personnel in attendance.

The 2026 budget defence exercise reflects the administration’s continued emphasis on transparency, participatory governance, and fiscal discipline, hallmarks of the transformative leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s government in Abia State.