By Romanus Udekwe Okue-Agbomma
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo on Tuesday presented a N757.9 billion budget proposal for 2026 to the Anambra State House of Assembly, representing a 24.1% increase from the 2025 budget of N607 billion.
Titled “Changing Gears 3.0: Solution Continues,” the budget allocates 79% (N595.3 billion) to capital expenditure and 21% (N162.6 billion) to recurrent expenditure. The projected deficit of N225.7 billion will be financed through privatization proceeds, increased revenue collection, and concessionary borrowing for viable projects.
Key sectors received significant year-on-year increases: Education (46.9%), Social Sector (31.4%), Infrastructure (27.7%), Economic Sector (26.7%), and Health (13%).
Soludo highlighted achievements in his first term, including over 900 kilometers of roads under construction, 600 kilometers already asphalted, and employment of 8,115 teachers. Public school enrollment increased by 47% in secondary schools and 27% in primary schools.
The governor said 70% of the 2026 budget would focus on security, infrastructure, economic transformation, and human capital development. Major projects include construction of 30 new primary schools, completion of the Solution Innovation District building, and commencement of the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City.
Soludo, who won re-election with 73% of votes, pledged continued fiscal discipline, noting the administration has not borrowed to finance deficits since assuming office in March 2022.
