Gov Otti Signs ₦1.016trn 2026 Budget into Law, Vows Accelerated Development

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has signed theOne trillion, Sixteen billion, Two hundred and Twenty eight million, Seventy Two thousand Six hundred and Fifty one naira, Ninety nine kobo 2026 Appropriation Bill into law.

Governor Otti who signed the budget on Monday, at Nvosi Isiala Ngwa South local government area of the state, shortly after its passage by the Abia State House of Assembly, assured that his administration would faithfully implement the budget and sustain the momentum of accelerated development across the State.

The Governor described the process as a testament to democratic engagement, transparency and diligence between the Executive and Legislative arms of Government.

He commended members of the House of Assembly for their thorough scrutiny of the bill, noting that the time taken to review it was an indication of seriousness and commitment to the interests of Abians.

“I want to start by thanking the team who worked very hard to produce the appropriation bill and dispatched it to the House.

“More thanks go to the House for expeditiously attending to the bill, crunching the numbers, spending sleepless nights to ensure quick passage of the bill. I want to thank you for the hard work.

“It’s interesting because I kept engaging. I’m very glad that this House pays attention to details, not just a House that would pass a bill without asking questions.

“I’m not unaware of the engagements going back and forth between the Executive team and the Legislative team.

“And that is what democracy should be about. Questions should be asked and numbers should be scrutinized. Two good heads, they say, are better than one.

“That this bill took a little bit of time to pass is also a plus. It shows that some work was being done. And it also puts the executive on his toes to ensure that he continues to up their game, to produce numbers that can be valued for.

“I wasn’t worried when any time I inquired, I understood that they were still crunching the numbers and going back and forth. So I knew that it could only lead to a better outcome. And that is what we have just signed into law”, he stated.

Governor Otti disclosed that the total budget size remained unchanged at ₦1.016 trillion, with capital and recurrent expenditure ratios retained, which reflects his administration’s development priorities.

According to the Governor, the budget aligns with his administration’s philosophy of empowerment through the creation of an enabling environment for economic activity, alongside sustained investment in social infrastructure.

“Our definition of empowerment is creating the enabling environment for our people to do their business and do their stuff.

“And then, of course, also implementing and creating social infrastructure in terms of Health, Education, and Environmental issues, having our place clear, other than the roads and the bridges and the other hardcore infrastructure.

“So once you have that overarching view of government, the rest will be details. And I’m happy that we are all going in the same direction”, he said

Governor Otti further assured that his Government would remain fiscally disciplined and committed to budgetary provisions and pledged to return to the legislature if unforeseen circumstances necessitate adjustments.

“This is a disciplined government and will stick to the budget that has been approved. And if there is any reason for anything to change, we will still come back to you with a legitimate defence”, he said.

Earlier, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa described the 2026 budget as a “Project of Acceleration and New Possibilities”, noting that the State was nearing “ground zero” after years of infrastructural and developmental challenges.

“That is why we are beginning to accelerate. And I do believe that we have started and we are not going to slow down until this place is completely transformed”, the Speaker said.

Emeruwa added that developments in Abia were attracting attention beyond Nigeria, assuring that the Assembly would not allow any backsliding in the State’s transformation drive.

He pledged continued legislative support for the Governor’s development agenda.