By Oiza Bello
The Kogi State Executive Council says it has approved a draft budget of ₦820.49 billion for the 2026 fiscal year, tagged “Budget of Shared Prosperity: Driving Sustainable Growth for All.”
The draft budget received approval during the Council meeting presided over by Governor Usman Ododo at the Government House, Lokoja.
Briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Asiwaju Idris, said the 2026 draft budget was designed to strengthen the state’s internally generated revenue, enhance debt recovery and repayment, promote public-private partnerships (PPP), and create an inclusive and conducive business environment.
He noted that the proposal also prioritizes revenue optimization, completion of ongoing projects, and continuity of government programmes.
Also addressing newsmen, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, said Governor Ododo briefed the Council on the state government’s renewed efforts toward combating insecurity.
According to him, the Governor assured residents of his unwavering commitment to stamping out criminality and strengthening the security architecture to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.Mr. Fanwo further disclosed that Governor Ododo reiterated his earlier directive to all commissioners to sink three boreholes each in their respective local government areas as part of his administration’s drive to ensure potable water for all, especially in rural communities.The Council also deliberated on the enforcement of the ban on articulated vehicles plying major roads in Lokoja during the daytime, particularly the Nataco – Felele axis, which has recorded multiple fatal accidents. The state executive council also directed local government chairmen in the affected areas to immediately put enforcement measures in place.In another resolution, the Council approved the withdrawal of consent authority from local entities and traditional rulers to curb fraudulent land transactions and protect landowners from unauthorized investors.Meanwhile, in line with Governor Ododo’s commitment to inclusiveness and continuity, the meeting was expanded to include former commissioners who served under previous administrations, to deliberate on strategies for advancing the development of the state.
Edited by Ajifa Ainoko
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