Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has presented a N492.795 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly. Tagged the 'Budget of Economic Consolidation', it prioritizes infrastructure with the largest allocation. The proposal follows a downward revision of the 2025 budget due to performance gaps.
On November 17, 2025, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa presented a N492.795 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Olamide Oladiji.
The budget, titled 'Budget of Economic Consolidation', allocates N131.991 billion (26.80%) to infrastructural development, the highest share, followed by N89.607 billion (18.20%) for public finance, N69.641 billion (14.10%) for health, and N63.878 billion (13.00%) for education. Recurrent expenditure is set at N167.523 billion (42.78%), while capital expenditure receives N281.991 billion (57.22%).
Aiyedatiwa explained that the 2025 'Budget of Recovery' was revised downward from N698.659 billion to N489.998 billion based on mid-year and third-quarter performance reports. This adjustment aimed to reduce unrealistic donor-funded projections, minimize reliance on uncertain inflows, and reallocate resources equitably. He highlighted risks from global economic slowdowns affecting the state's civil service-driven and agrarian economy but noted successes in the prior budget.
“The title of the 2026 Budget of Economic Consolidation is aptly justified as the natural progression from previous years’ activities and, therefore, reflects a deliberate shift from mere restoration to sustained consolidation of economic gains, ensuring that the progress recorded in 2025 matures into long-term prosperity, resilience and inclusive development for the people of Ondo State.”
The governor emphasized participatory budgeting, involving communities, civil society, private sector, youth, artisans, and farmers. He assured completion of ongoing projects, stating, “Rest assured that no project in Ondo State will be left abandoned.”
Speaker Oladiji commended Aiyedatiwa's achievements and interventions in recent assembly crises, pledging thorough scrutiny and robust monitoring to ensure positive impacts on citizens.