Nwifuru Presents ₦884bn 2026 Budget, Unveils Plan for State-Owned Cement Factory
By Ikenyim Eucharia
The Ebonyi State Government has announced plans to establish a state-owned cement factory as part of its strategy to boost economic growth and drive long-term development.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru disclosed this on Tuesday at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, while presenting the proposed ₦884 billion 2026 budget to the people of the state for their input ahead of its submission to the State House of Assembly.
Tagged the “Budget of Actualization and Hope,” the governor said the proposal was designed to meet the developmental needs of all sectors. He attributed the unprecedented increase in the budget—from ₦89 billion to ₦884 billion—to the removal of fuel subsidy, which, he said, has significantly improved the state’s financial projections. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the policy, describing it as beneficial to states across the federation.
Governor Nwifuru revealed that a major highlight of the 2026 fiscal plan is the government’s intention to borrow ₦150 billion to establish the cement factory. The project, he explained, will leverage Ebonyi’s abundant mineral resources and is expected to generate substantial revenue to offset the loan.
According to him, 84 percent of the proposed budget has been earmarked for infrastructure and human capital development. He also assured residents that several landmark projects would be completed and commissioned between May 1 and May 27, 2026, adding that President Tinubu would be invited next year to commission at least ten of the projects.
Reaffirming his commitment to fulfilling all campaign promises, the governor appealed to Ebonyians to support the budget and remain optimistic about the administration’s development agenda.
Earlier in her remarks, the Commissioner for Budget, Planning, Research and Monitoring, Mrs. Chinwe Oka, provided an overview of the 2025 budget performance across various sectors. She urged citizens to back the 2026 proposal, which she said reflects the administration’s adherence to the People’s Charter of Needs and its commitment to delivering more democratic dividends.
