From CHARLES ONYEKWERE, ENUGU
Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area in Enugu State, Dr Eric Odo, has presented ₦7.74 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the Legislative Council.
Presenting the budget tagged “Budget of Continuous Infrastructural Development and Empowerment of the Needy,” yesterday in Ogbede, Odo said the estimate represents a 35 percent increase over the ₦5.4 billion budget for 2025.
The chairman explained that the proposed budget was aimed at deepening infrastructural development and expand social welfare programmes across the council area.
A breakdown of the estimate shows that ₦3.37 billion, representing 44 percent of the total budget, was earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while ₦4.35 billion, representing 56 percent, was allocated to capital projects.
According to Odo, recurrent expenditure will cover the payment of the approved minimum wage, pensions, leave allowances, as well as monthly stipends for widows, widowers and persons with disabilities.
He added that a significant portion of the capital expenditure would be devoted to road construction and the rehabilitation of water schemes, among other critical infrastructural projects.
Odo noted that the 2026 budget was designed to fast-track the delivery of essential services and improve the living conditions of residents of the local government area.
He assured that his administration would ensure transparency and diligence in the implementation of the budget upon its passage.
Speaking on the performance of the 2025 budget, the chairman disclosed that it had attained an implementation level of 89.5 percent, with numerous infrastructural projects executed during the year.
Odo commended the Legislative Council for its sustained partnership and support, pledging not to take the cooperation for granted.
In his response, the Leader of the Legislative Council, Mr Stephen Okwu, assured that the budget proposal would be given accelerated consideration and timely passage.
Okwu pledged the council’s continued support for the chairman to enable him sustain his development initiatives in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area.
