Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has signed the N1.62 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, unveiling an ambitious plan to generate over N2.5 billion in daily internally generated revenue (IGR).
Speaking on Wednesday at the signing ceremony, Mbah reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fast-tracking development across all sectors of the state and commended the Enugu State House of Assembly for the swift passage of the budget.
A breakdown of the fiscal plan shows that N1.296 trillion, representing 80 per cent of the total budget, was allocated to capital expenditure, while N321.3 billion, or 20 per cent, was set aside for recurrent spending.
The economic sector received the largest share of N825.9 billion, accounting for 51 per cent of the budget.
The social sector was allocated N644.7 billion, representing 40.1 per cent, while administration, justice, and regional development received N128 billion, N15.8 billion, and N2 billion, respectively.
Education emerged as the highest-funded sector, taking 32.27 per cent of the budget, with N30 billion earmarked for school feeding in the state’s 260 Smart Green Schools.
Funding for the 2026 budget is projected to come from N870 billion in IGR, N387 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), and N329 billion from capital receipts.
Mbah said the budget was anchored on inclusivity, accountability, transparency, and strong institutions, adding that the revenue targets were realistic and achievable.
He disclosed that the state’s IGR had grown from below N30 billion in 2023 to over N180 billion in 2024 and N400 billion in 2025.
According to the governor, meeting the revenue projections would significantly reduce Enugu State’s dependence on federal allocations, which he described as potential savings for future generations.
He explained that the projected N800 billion IGR for 2026 translates to over N70 billion monthly, N18 billion weekly, and more than N2.5 billion daily, stressing the need for fiscal discipline and hard work.
Mbah also revealed that his administration would forgo Christmas celebrations to maintain focus on achieving its revenue and development goals.
In his remarks, Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Uchenna Ugwu, said early engagement between the executive and lawmakers ensured a smooth and people-focused budget process.
He added that residents should expect major infrastructure projects in 2026, including road construction, rail development, and the acquisition of additional aircraft, transport terminals, smart secondary schools, and the completion of 260 farm estates.
