By Ayomide Otitoju
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has presented the draft 2026 Appropriation Bill to the State House of Assembly, with Information Commissioner Law Mefor describing the proposal as further evidence of Soludo’s expertise as a globally acclaimed economist.
The budget, titled “Changing Gears 3.0: Solution Continues,” is expected to round off the governor’s first term and set the stage for a more ambitious second term, in line with his administration’s plan for accelerated development.
Speaking on the presentation, which took place on November 25, 2025, Mefor said the proposed figures reflect Soludo’s determination to transform Anambra into a destination of choice. He noted that the governor’s resounding re-election—winning all 21 local government areas with 73% of the vote—underscored public confidence in his leadership.
Soludo reiterated his inclusive vision, stating: “Ours is one state, one people, with one agenda. Let us unite and build Anambra together.”
2026 Budget Highlights
The governor has proposed a total budget size of ₦757.88 billion for the 2026 fiscal year—representing a 24.1% increase from the 2025 budget of ₦606.99 billion.
Key components include:
Capital Expenditure: ₦595.3 billion (79% of the budget), a 26.3% rise from 2025
Recurrent Expenditure: ₦162.6 billion (21% of the budget), a 16.6% year-on-year increase
Estimated Deficit: ₦225.7 billion (29.8% of total expenditure)
Soludo said the deficit would be funded, if necessary, through a “hybrid of financing options,” including improved internally generated revenue (IGR), privatisation proceeds, and concessionary borrowing for viable projects. He noted that the administration has not borrowed to finance deficits since assuming office.
“All key sectors recorded year-on-year growth,” he said, listing increases in the administrative (12.2%), economic (26.7%), social (31.4%), education (46.9%), health (13%), and infrastructure investment (27.7%) sectors.
Track Record: Infrastructure, Health, Education
According to Mefor, Soludo’s first-term performance forms the foundation for the 2026 plan. Achievements highlighted include:
Construction of over 900 km of roads, with 600 km asphalted,Eight major bridges, including the Ekwulobia flyove, Dualisation of more than 100 km of federal and state roads,Completion of the Aroma Link Bridge,Ongoing construction of the new Government House and Governor’s Lodge, Development of Solution Fun City, billed as the largest leisure centre in West Africa, Employment of 8,115 teachers selected on merit,Free antenatal services and 594 cost-free caesarean deliveries,Commissioning of four new General Hospitals and modernisation of 326 PHCs,Establishment of a Trauma Centre at COOU Teaching Hospita, Training of 95,735 youths in digital skills through the Solution Innovation District, Support for 13,300 youth entrepreneurs under the One-Youth-Two-Skills programme,Clearance of ₦22 billion in gratuity arrears, 2026 Priorities: Infrastructure, Human Capital, Economic Expansion
Approximately 70% of the 2026 budget is targeted at security and law enforcement, infrastructure and economic transformation, and human capital development—key pillars of the Soludo Solution Agenda.
Mefor said the state will sustain momentum in roads and bridges, mass transit expansion, new jetties and water transport, and Public-Private Partnerships for the planned Rail Master Plan. Work will also intensify on developing the new cities—Awka 2.0, Greater Niger, and the Aerotropolis—with construction of the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City scheduled to begin in 2026.
Describing IGR as the administration’s “weakest link,” Soludo said the government plans to overhaul the revenue system through technology-enabled reforms aimed at closing leakages, expanding the tax base, and improving compliance.
Mefor said the current trajectory shows that Anambra is firmly on a path of progress. He noted that the 2026 budget is designed to consolidate gains and advance the governor’s vision of building a liveable, prosperous homeland.
Soludo’s long-term development model—anchored on transforming Anambra into an African version of Dubai, Taiwan, and Silicon Valley—is gradually taking shape, he added.
“Anambra is witnessing a transformative shift under Governor Soludo,” Mefor said. “The foundation has been laid, and the 2026 budget will deepen the achievements across the five pillars of the Soludo manifesto.”
