The Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, Dr Eric Odo, has presented a proposed ₦7.74 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year to the Legislative Council.
Presenting the estimate on Friday in Ogbede, Odo said the proposal, tagged “Budget of Continuous Infrastructural Development and Empowerment of the Needy,” represents a 35 per cent increase over the ₦5.4 billion approved for the 2025 fiscal year.
He explained that the upward review was necessitated by the need to accelerate infrastructure development while expanding social welfare programmes across the local government area.
According to the budget breakdown, ₦3.37 billion, representing 44 per cent of the total estimate, is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while ₦4.35 billion, or 56 per cent, is allocated to capital projects.
Odo said recurrent spending would cover personnel costs, including payment of the approved minimum wage, pensions, leave allowances, and monthly stipends for widows, widowers and persons living with disabilities.
He added that capital expenditure would focus largely on road construction, rehabilitation of water schemes and other critical infrastructure projects aimed at improving service delivery and residents’ quality of life.
The council chairman noted that the 2026 budget was structured to fast-track development and ensure the timely provision of essential services at the grassroots.
He assured that his administration would uphold transparency, accountability and prudence in implementing the budget once it is approved.
Reviewing the performance of the 2025 budget, Odo disclosed that implementation had reached 89.5 per cent, with several infrastructural projects successfully executed across the local government area.
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He commended members of the Legislative Council for their cooperation and support, pledging to sustain the partnership in advancing development initiatives.
Responding, the Leader of the Legislative Council, Mr Stephen Okwu, assured that the budget proposal would receive prompt consideration and timely passage.
Okwu also pledged the council’s continued support for the chairman to enable the administration sustain its development drive in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area.
