Gov. Otti signs N1.016 trillion 2026 budget into law

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Monday, 29 December 2025, signed the 2026 Budget Estimate of N1.016 trillion for the operations of the state government into law.

Assenting to the appropriation bill presented by the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa, Governor Otti thanked members of the House for the swift passage of the bill and commended his executive team for preparing a comprehensive budget. He assured that his administration would implement it faithfully.

“More thanks go to the House for expeditiously attending to the bill, crunching the numbers, and spending sleepless nights to ensure its quick passage,” Governor Otti said.

He added, “I’m aware of the engagements between the Executive and the Legislature, and that is what democracy should be about. Questions should be asked, numbers scrutinised – two good heads are better than one. That this bill took some time to pass is a positive; it shows work was being done and keeps the executive on its toes.”

Governor Otti confirmed that the total appropriation remained N1.016 trillion, with allocations between capital and recurrent expenditure unchanged. “This reflects the direction of government: empowering our people legitimately, creating an enabling environment for businesses, and implementing social infrastructure in health, education, and environmental development, alongside roads, bridges, and other key projects,” he said.

Earlier, the Speaker described the budget, titled “Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities,” as a framework packed with opportunities for Abia citizens. He commended Governor Otti’s achievements over his 30 months in office and pledged the House’s support for the successful execution of the 2026 fiscal plan.

The signing ceremony was attended by a cross-section of government officials and members of the legislature.