…Soludo said, “We have deliberately channelled resources to areas that matter most to our communities,”
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has assented to the 2026 Appropriation Bill, along with three other major legislations, describing the development as a significant milestone in positioning the state for sustained growth and development.
The signing ceremony, which took place on Monday at the Light House in Awka, marked a new phase in Anambra’s fiscal planning and governance framework.
The 2026 Appropriation Law, whose size was reviewed upward from N757 billion to N766 billion after detailed consideration by the State House of Assembly, is designed to stimulate economic expansion, boost infrastructure development, and strengthen social programmes across the state.
Addressing stakeholders shortly after signing the bill, Soludo said the budget represents a strategic roadmap for delivering his administration’s commitments while responding to the pressing needs of Ndi Anambra.
According to the governor, the budget priorities centre on accelerating economic growth, fast-tracking critical infrastructure projects, and improving social welfare initiatives statewide.
“This budget goes beyond figures; it is a carefully designed plan to fulfil our promises to the people. We have deliberately channelled resources to areas that matter most to our communities,” Soludo said.
He commended the Eighth State Assembly for its diligence and cooperation, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
In addition to the appropriation law, the governor signed three other key bills into law: the Anambra Mission School of Nursing and Midwifery (Amendment No. 3) Law, 2025; the Tax Clearance Certificate Law, 2025; and the Anambra State Correctional Service Law, 2025. He noted that the enactment of the laws underscores his government’s commitment to good governance and sustainable development.
Soludo praised the legislature for its productive partnership with the executive, noting that the Assembly’s thorough review process resulted in a slight increase in the budget size to N766 billion for the 2026 fiscal year.
“Together, we have delivered laws that will accelerate Anambra’s development and prosperity. With the passage of the budget, it is now time to move fully into implementation,” he said.
The governor further stressed that transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness remain the guiding principles of his administration, adding that the new laws would provide an enabling environment for efficient service delivery and long-term growth.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze; Majority Leader, Ikenna Ofodeme; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Ernest Ezeajughi; Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Prof. Sylva Chika Ifemeje; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake; and other top government officials.
Soludo had earlier, on November 25, presented the N757 billion 2026 budget proposal to the State House of Assembly. Tagged “Changing Gears 3.0: Solution Continues,” the proposal reflected an intensified focus on implementing the administration’s reform agenda.
He explained that the budget includes N595.3 billion for capital expenditure, representing 79 per cent of the total allocation, while N161.6 billion, or 21 per cent, was earmarked for recurrent spending.
The governor added that the budget carries a deficit of N225.7 billion, to be financed through a mix of funding options, including public-private partnerships, improved internally generated revenue, concessions, and support from financial institutions.
Soludo assured that the administration would maintain prudent fiscal discipline, noting that no borrowing would be undertaken for consumption.
“Every kobo will be judiciously utilised to deliver maximum value to the people of Anambra as we continue to build the prosperous, liveable, and smart homeland we envision,” he said.
