By Muslimat Itopa
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has ascents to the 2026 Appropriation Bill totaling over ₦820 billion, describing it as a “Budget of Shared Prosperity” aimed at driving sustainable growth and inclusive development across the state.
The governor signed the bill into law following its passage by the Kogi State House of Assembly, commending lawmakers for what he described as their diligence, patriotism, and sacrifice, especially during the festive period.
“This moment marks another significant milestone in our collective journey towards building a prosperous and inclusive Kogi State,” Ododo said. “The House demonstrated patriotism in action by placing the interest of the state above religious and festive considerations.”
He assured the Assembly and residents that his administration remains committed to fiscal discipline, transparency, and prudent management of public resources, stressing that every naira in the 2026 budget would be deployed strictly in line with the law to improve the welfare of the people.
Governor Ododo also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing fiscal reforms have expanded revenue opportunities for sub-national governments and boosted Kogi State’s internally generated revenue.
According to him, the state has recorded measurable progress in education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, road infrastructure, and women and youth empowerment, with plans to scale up these interventions in 2026.
“In 2026, we will do even more. Wealth creation, infrastructure development, food security, quality education, healthcare access, and road connectivity will remain our priorities,” the governor said, adding that governance, not politics, would guide his administration’s actions in the coming year.
The governor also disclosed plans to develop an international cargo airport in the state, citing Kogi’s strategic location as the closest state to the Federal Capital Territory and its vast mineral resources.
He said seven professional consultants had been engaged to design the airport, a process that took about nine months, and confirmed that the design had passed all required stages.
“By the end of January 2026, we will commence the procurement process,” Ododo announced. “This project is not for personal or political interest; it is for Kogi State. Transparency will guide its execution, and the House of Assembly will be fully involved in oversight.”
He emphasized that staff welfare and security would not be compromised, noting that the project had been carefully structured to minimize financial risk to the state.
Earlier, the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Aliyu Yusuf, said the passage of the appropriation bill and other key legislation would form part of the governor’s enduring legacy.
He noted that the governor’s financial prudence had helped reduce the state’s debt burden and positioned Kogi to responsibly access funding for development.
Among other bills assented to are laws domesticating Federal Tax Reforms, measures to prevent over-taxation, legislation to expand revenue generation following recent Supreme Court judgments on lottery operations, and an audit law granting greater independence to auditors to strengthen accountability and fight corruption.
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