By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed the Kogi State 2026 budget into law after an extensive legislative process involving public hearings, budget defence sessions, and detailed scrutiny by lawmakers. The passage took place on Wednesday in Lokoja, following weeks of deliberations on the Appropriation Bill.The Chairman of the House Committee on Budget Monitoring and Appropriation, Hon. Olawumi Jacob, disclosed this while briefing journalists shortly after the budget was approved on the floor of the Assembly. He said the process reflected the legislature’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
According to Jacob, the budget consideration began with the formal presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to the Assembly. This marked the commencement of legislative engagement with the fiscal plan for the coming year. Following the presentation, the Assembly organised a public hearing to ensure citizen participation in the budget process. Civil society organisations, professional groups, and other stakeholders were given the opportunity to review the budget proposals and make submissions.“
After the budget was laid before the House, we proceeded to the public hearing stage where civil society organisations and stakeholders from across the state came to scrutinise the budget lines,” Jacob said. He noted that inputs from the public were carefully considered during subsequent stages of review. The lawmaker explained that the Assembly then conducted a comprehensive budget defence session. During this phase, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), led by their respective commissioners, appeared before the committee to justify their proposed allocations and expenditure plans.
Jacob said lawmakers thoroughly examined sectoral allocations to ensure that resources were directed towards priority areas. He added that adjustments were made where necessary to improve efficiency, promote accountability, and align spending with the state’s development agenda.
After the conclusion of the budget defence and committee deliberations, the House adopted the report of the Committee on Budget Monitoring and Appropriation. This adoption paved the way for the final passage of the Kogi State 2026 budget into law.“ Once a budget is passed into law, it becomes binding. Nothing can be added or removed from it,” Jacob stated, emphasising the importance of strict adherence to the approved provisions during implementation.
He described the 2026 appropriation as people-oriented and inclusive. According to him, the budget is themed “Budget of Shared Prosperity for Sustainable Development” and is designed to ensure that all residents of Kogi State benefit from government spending.“It is a win-win for the entire state. The budget is geared towards shared prosperity and sustainable development for all,” he said.
The passage of the Kogi State 2026 budget now clears the way for its implementation across critical sectors of the state’s economy in the new fiscal year. Lawmakers expressed optimism that effective execution of the budget would accelerate development and improve the welfare of residents.
