Capital Projects Take Centre Stage in Uzodimma’s ₦1.43trn 2026 Budget Proposal
By Kelechi Ugo
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has presented a historic ₦1.43 trillion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the Imo State House of Assembly, marking the first trillion-naira budget in the State’s history.
The draft appropriation bill, totaling ₦1,439,573,590,405.04, is christened the “Budget of Economic Breakthrough.” According to the Governor, the proposal is designed to consolidate infrastructure development and accelerate economic transformation across Imo State.
Presenting the budget at the Assembly complex in Owerri on Monday, December 22, 2025, Uzodimma explained that the 2026 estimates would deepen key economic initiatives already underway. These include the Light Up Imo Project, the Orashi Free Trade Zone, the expansion of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, and the State’s digital economy programme, all aimed at job creation, industrialisation, and sustainable growth.
The Governor said the budget builds on achievements recorded over the past six years of his administration, notably the construction of more than 130 roads, the establishment of six functional tertiary hospitals, and significant improvements in security across the State.
He disclosed that the 2026 proposal represents a 78 per cent increase over the 2025 budget, reflecting the administration’s resolve to fast-track development and position Imo State for economic independence.
Heavy Tilt Towards Capital Expenditure
A breakdown of the budget shows a strong emphasis on capital development. ₦1.201 trillion, representing 83.4 per cent, is earmarked for capital expenditure, while ₦238.5 billion (16.6 per cent) is allocated to recurrent expenditure, covering personnel costs, overheads, and statutory obligations.
On the revenue side, the State projects ₦823.27 billion from recurrent revenue sources, including Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) transfers, Value Added Tax (VAT), derivation funds, and other federal inflows. Capital receipts from development partners and donor agencies are estimated at ₦382.72 billion.
Sectoral Allocations
The economic sector received the largest share, with over ₦1.01 trillion allocated to infrastructure, power, agriculture, and industrial development. The social sector is allocated ₦87.7 billion, while ₦32.8 billion goes to administrative services, alongside provisions for special intervention programmes.
Health emerged as one of the major beneficiaries, with substantial funds set aside for the rehabilitation of health facilities and improved access to essential healthcare services. Significant allocations were also made to works, education, rural development, entrepreneurship, and skills acquisition, all targeted at boosting employment and inclusive growth.
Uzodimma assured lawmakers that all ongoing projects would be completed, stressing that no project would be abandoned. He described the budget as a solid foundation for industrialisation, economic stability, and shared prosperity for the people of Imo State.
Lawmakers React
In his response, the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, commended the Governor for what he described as an impactful and forward-looking administration. He reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to cooperation among the arms of government and pledged a thorough and timely consideration of the budget.
Olemgbe highlighted key achievements of the Uzodimma administration, including improved security, the establishment of the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, prompt payment of civil servants’ salaries, and the recruitment of over 6,000 teachers. He also cited extensive road construction across the State and ongoing improvements at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.
Lawmakers from Orsu, Oguta, Oru East, Owerri Municipal, and Isiala Mbano constituencies also praised the Governor, describing the 2026 budget as ambitious and capable of delivering tangible benefits to Imo residents.
The House assured the Governor that the 2026 Appropriation Bill would receive accelerated consideration in the overall interest of the State’s development.