Gov. Otti Signs ₦1.016 Trillion 2026 Budget Into Law, Hails Legislative Rigor, Reaffirms Commitment to Accelerated Development in Abia

The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has signed into law the One trillion, Sixteen billion, Two hundred and Twenty eight million, Seventy Two thousand Six hundred and Fifty one naira, Ninety nine kobo (₦1,016,228,072,651.99), 2026 Appropriation Bill, marking another major milestone in the state’s ongoing drive for accelerated development, fiscal discipline, and transparent governance.

The Governor assented to the budget on Monday at Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, shortly after its passage by the Abia State House of Assembly. He assured Abians that his administration would faithfully implement the budget while sustaining the tempo of infrastructure renewal and socio-economic transformation across the state.

Governor Otti described the entire budget process as a strong demonstration of democratic engagement, transparency, and diligence between the Executive and Legislative arms of government. He particularly commended members of the Abia State House of Assembly for their detailed scrutiny of the bill, noting that the time devoted to its review reflected seriousness, professionalism, and commitment to the collective interest of the people.

“I want to start by thanking the team who worked very hard to produce the appropriation bill and dispatched it to the House. More thanks go to the House for expeditiously attending to the bill, crunching the numbers, spending sleepless nights to ensure quick passage of the bill. I want to thank you for the hard work.

“It’s interesting because I kept engaging. I’m very glad that this House pays attention to details, not just a House that would pass a bill without asking questions. I’m not unaware of the engagements going back and forth between the Executive team and the Legislative team.

“And that is what democracy should be about. Questions should be asked and numbers should be scrutinized. Two good heads, they say, are better than one.

“That this bill took a little bit of time to pass is also a plus. It shows that some work was being done. And it also puts the executive on his toes to ensure that he continues to up their game, to produce numbers that can be valued for.

“I wasn’t worried when any time I inquired, I understood that they were still crunching the numbers and going back and forth. So I knew that it could only lead to a better outcome. And that is what we have just signed into law,” he stated.

The Governor disclosed that the total budget size remains unchanged at ₦1.016 trillion, with the capital-to-recurrent expenditure ratio retained, a move he said clearly reflects his administration’s development priorities and long-term economic vision for Abia State.

According to him, the 2026 budget is firmly anchored on his government’s philosophy of empowerment through the creation of an enabling environment for economic activities, while maintaining consistent investment in social infrastructure that directly improves the quality of life of citizens.

“Our definition of empowerment is creating the enabling environment for our people to do their business and do their stuff.

“And then, of course, also implementing and creating social infrastructure in terms of Health, Education, and Environmental issues, having our place clear, other than the roads and the bridges and the other hardcore infrastructure.

“So once you have that overarching view of government, the rest will be details. And I’m happy that we are all going in the same direction,” he said.

Governor Otti further assured that his administration would continue to operate as a fiscally disciplined government, committed to adhering strictly to the approved budget provisions. He also pledged transparency and accountability, noting that the Executive would not hesitate to return to the legislature should unforeseen circumstances require adjustments.

“This is a disciplined government and will stick to the budget that has been approved. And if there is any reason for anything to change, we will still come back to you with a legitimate defence”, he said.

Earlier, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, described the 2026 Appropriation Act as a “Project of Acceleration and New Possibilities,” emphasizing that Abia State was approaching what he termed “ground zero” after years of infrastructural decay and developmental stagnation.

“That is why we are beginning to accelerate. And I do believe that we have started and we are not going to slow down until this place is completely transformed”, the Speaker said.

Hon. Emeruwa further noted that the pace of development in Abia State was now attracting attention beyond Nigeria’s borders, assuring that the House of Assembly would not tolerate any regression in the state’s transformation journey. He pledged the legislature’s continued support for Governor Otti’s reform-driven development agenda, stressing that the partnership between both arms of government remains crucial to delivering sustainable progress for Abians.