By Dennis Agbo

The Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Dr. Eric Odo, has presented a ₦7.74 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the Legislative Council.

Presenting the budget, tagged “Budget of Continuous Infrastructural Development and Empowerment of the Needy,” on Friday in Ogbede, Odo said the proposal represents a 35 per cent increase over the ₦5.4 billion budget approved for 2025.

He explained that the proposed estimate was designed to deepen infrastructural development and expand social welfare programmes across the local government area.

A breakdown of the budget shows that ₦3.37 billion, representing 44 per cent of the total estimate, was allocated to recurrent expenditure, while ₦4.35 billion, representing 56 per cent, was earmarked for capital projects.

According to the chairman, recurrent expenditure would cover payment of the approved minimum wage, pensions, leave allowances, as well as monthly stipends for widows, widowers and persons with disabilities.

Odo added that a substantial portion of the capital allocation would be devoted to road construction and rehabilitation of water schemes, alongside other critical infrastructure projects.

He noted that the 2026 budget was structured to fast-track the delivery of essential services and improve the living standards of residents of the council area.

The chairman assured that his administration would uphold transparency and diligence in the implementation of the budget once it is passed into law.

Speaking on the performance of the 2025 budget, Odo disclosed that it had achieved an implementation level of 89.5 per cent, with several infrastructural projects successfully executed during the year.

He commended the Legislative Council for its sustained cooperation and support, pledging that his administration would continue to value the partnership.

Responding, the Leader of the Legislative Council, Mr. Stephen Okwu, assured that the budget proposal would receive accelerated consideration to ensure timely passage.

Okwu further pledged the council’s continued support for the chairman in sustaining his development initiatives across Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area.