Kwara Assembly approves ₦656.5bn 2026 budget after ₦10.5bn upward review

The Kwara State House of Assembly has passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill, approving a total budget size of ₦656.5 billion, following an upward adjustment of ₦10.5 billion to the initial proposal presented by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The budget was approved on Friday after lawmakers considered and adopted the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation during plenary.

Announcing the passage, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu, said the increase resulted from a detailed review of the budget estimates to ensure fiscal prudence, realism and effective implementation for the benefit of residents of the state.

He explained that the revised appropriation reflects the legislature’s resolve to align government spending with prevailing economic conditions and priority development needs.

According to the Speaker, recurrent expenditure was increased to over ₦409.6 billion, representing an addition of about ₦10.5 billion to the original figure submitted by the executive arm.

Danladi-Salihu also disclosed that capital expenditure was raised to ₦271 billion from the initial ₦254 billion allocation, in order to boost funding for critical infrastructure and development projects across Kwara State.

He noted that the adjustment was aimed at accelerating the execution of priority projects and improving service delivery in line with the administration’s development agenda.

The Speaker further revealed that provision for debt servicing in the 2026 fiscal year now stands at ₦14.2 billion, slightly higher than the earlier projection.

“The House carefully examined the budget in line with constitutional provisions and resolved to pass a realistic and implementable appropriation that will deliver maximum value to the people of Kwara State,” he said.

He added that the Assembly would sustain its oversight role to ensure transparent implementation of the budget and accountability in the management of public funds.