News
Nigeria Will Not be Divided During My Tenure – President Tinubu, meets US, UK, Saudi Arabia envoys
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu has vowed that Nigeria will not be divided during his tenure, while unveiling a series of steps he would take to position the country on the path of economic development, stability and prosperity.
Shortly after his inauguration, the President met with envoys from the United Kingdom, United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, Israel, Cape Verde, Somalia and Nicaragua with their goodwill messages and letters of support and solidarity at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Dressed in white agbada and buba with a green cap adorned with his trademark logo, the oaths were administered on the new President and the Vice President, Kashim Shettima by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as former president Muhammadu Buhari and his wife Aisha as well Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the new president, and other family members watched in admiration.
Several African heads of state, diplomats and representatives of foreign governments also witnessed the colourful ceremony which featured a march past by the armed forces as well as dances and other performances by the National Troupe.
African leaders present
African leaders who graced the inauguration included President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of Tanzania, Samia Hassan; President of the Republic of Congo Brazzaville, Denis Nguesso, President of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Embaló and his Liberian counterpart, George Weah.
Also present were the President of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye; the Transitional President of Chad, Mahamat Déby; the President of Niger Republic, Mohamed Bazoum; and President Nana Akufo-Ado of Ghana.
Delegations from Sierra Leonean and Qatar were also present. The Qatari team was led by the Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Representatives of the governments of the US, UK, Canada, India and others also attended the event.
Also in attendance were former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, serving and former governors, traditional and religious leaders, captains of industry and members of the diplomatic corps among others.
After handing over the reins of power to his successor, former president Muhammadu Buhari was driven in a black SUV to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport and flown in a Nigerian Air Force plane alongside his family to his hometown, Daura.
Addressing Nigerians shortly after taking over power, Tinubu urged his compatriots not to allow the opportunity for greater development of the country to slip away.
He stated, “Our constitution and laws give us a nation on paper. We must work harder at bringing these noble documents to life by strengthening the bonds of economic collaboration, social cohesion, and cultural understanding. Let us develop a shared sense of fairness and equity.
“The South must not only seek good for itself but must understand that its interests are served when good comes to the North. The North must see the South likewise.’
“Whether from the winding creeks of the Niger Delta, the vastness of the northern savannah, the boardrooms of Lagos, the bustling capital of Abuja, or the busy markets of Onitsha, you are all my people. As your president, I shall serve with prejudice toward none but compassion and amity towards all,” the President promised.
He said in its over 60-year history, Nigeria had endured hardships that would have made other societies crumble, but for its resilience and strength of its diversity, the country has remained intact.
“To the surprise of many but not to ourselves, we have more firmly established this land as a democracy in both word and deed.”
He said instead of disintegrating, Nigeria had continued to exist “as Africa’s most populous nation and as the best hope and strongest champion of the black race. “
Saying Nigerians were determined to keep the country united, Tinubu stated, “ As citizens, we declare as one unified people devoted to one unified national cause, that as long as this world exists, Nigeria shall exist. “
Speaking on the transition, Tinubu noted, “This handover symbolises our trust in God, our enduring faith in representative governance and our belief in our ability to reshape this nation into the society it was always meant to be.”
To advance the common vision of a better Nigeria, the President solicited the support of all Nigerians “to join me in making Nigeria a more perfect nation and democracy such that the Nigerian ideal becomes and forever remains the Nigerian reality.”
The president explained that though he fought hard to win the February 2023 election, the victory does not make him any more Nigerian than his opponents, who he pledged to relate to as compatriots.
“The outcome reflected the will of the people. However, my victory does not render me any more Nigerian than my opponents. Nor does it render them any less patriotic.
“They shall forever be my fellow compatriots. And I will treat them as such. They represent important constituencies and concerns that wisdom dare not ignore,” he affirmed.
He described the election that brought him to power as tough but fairly won and dedicated his victory to the country with a promise to do his best to advance its progress.
Economic policy
On the economy, the President said his administration would target a higher GDP growth and significantly reduce unemployment.
He promised to offer budgetary reform that would stimulate the economy without engendering inflation.
“Second, industrial policy will utilize the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency.
“Third, electricity will become more accessible and affordable to businesses and homes alike. Power generation should nearly double and transmission and distribution networks improved. We will encourage states to develop local sources as well,’’ he maintained.
According to him, his administration would review all complaints by investors about multiple taxations and “various anti-investment inhibitions. We shall ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard-earned dividends and profits home.”
He also mentioned his plan to make security a priority ‘’because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.”
To tackle unemployment, Tinubu reiterated the imperative of creating “meaningful opportunities for our youths”, as he pledged to honour his campaign commitment of one million new jobs in the digital economy.
“Our government also shall work with the National Assembly to fashion an omnibus jobs and prosperity bill. This bill will give our administration the policy space to embark on labour-intensive infrastructural improvements, encourage light industry and provide improved social services for the poor, elderly and vulnerable,” he projected.
He revealed that rural incomes shall be secured by commodity exchange boards guaranteeing minimal prices for certain crops and animal products even as he will undertake a nationwide programme for storage and other facilities to reduce spoilage.
Tinubu promised to create agricultural hubs nationwide to increase production and engage in value-added processing.
Also, the livestock sector will be introduced to the best modern practices and steps taken to minimize the perennial conflict over land and water resources in this sector.
“Through these actions, food shall be made more abundant yet less costly. Farmers shall earn more while the average Nigerian pays less,” he noted.
The President commended the decision of the Buhari administration to phase out fuel subsidy which he said would save the country at a time of drying resources.
He noted, “We shall instead re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions.”
He explained that the nation’s monetary policy needs thorough house cleaning as he charged the Central Bank of Nigeria to work towards a unified exchange rate.
This, he said, would direct funds away from arbitrage into meaningful investment in the plant, equipment and jobs that power the real economy.
Tinubu said his administration would treat both new and old naira notes as legal tender, saying despite its intended merits, the controversial currency swap policy of the CBN “was too harshly applied given the number of unbanked Nigerians.”
He explained that his primary foreign policy objective must be the peace and stability of the West African sub-region and the African continent, promising to work with the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and willing partners in the international community to end conflicts and to resolve new ones.
“As such, my primary foreign policy objective must be the peace and stability of the West African sub-region and the African continent. We shall work with ECOWAS, the AU and willing partners in the international community to end extant conflicts and resolve new ones.
“As we contain threats to peace, we shall also retool our foreign policy to more actively lead the regional and continental quest for collective prosperity,” he assured.
Describing Monday’s inauguration as the “proudest day of my life” Tinubu promised to “govern” and never “rule” Nigerians.
“Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you. We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate.’’
Envoys meet with Tinubu
Several countries on Monday formally presented their goodwill messages and letters of support and solidarity to Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The letters were presented to the president by the special envoys and heads of missions of the countries after his inauguration as the 16th President of Nigeria.
Among the countries are the United Kingdom, United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, Israel, Cape Verde, Somalia and Nicaragua.
While congratulating Tinubu, the new UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, presented letters from British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, King Charles and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.
The US delegation led by Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Marcia L. Fudge, paid a courtesy call to Tinubu and had a brief bilateral discussion with him.
A statement by the media aide to the President, Tunde Rahman, disclosed that the South Korean delegation had bilateral discussions with Tinubu.
While delivering a letter of invitation from South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for Tinubu to visit that country soon, the delegation also sought to increase relations between the two countries.
The Saudi Arabian delegation similarly delivered a goodwill message from the Saudi Royal House to the Nigerian president.
A special envoy of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida equally paid a call on the President and extended a hand of support and fellowship.
The statement read, ‘’In the same vein, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a delegation which met with Tinubu and expressed willingness to work with the country in the area of fintech.
‘’Others, who met with President Tinubu and pledged cooperation with Nigeria, included delegations from Brazil, Somali, Cape Verde and Nicaragua.’’
Biden pledges support
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has pledged his commitment towards working with Tinubu to strengthen ties between his country and Nigeria.
Biden stated this in a statement shortly after Tinubu’s inauguration on Monday.
Biden said the US would continue to work closely with Nigeria to deliver a more peaceful and prosperous future for the world, noting that ‘’Nigeria’s success is the world’s success.’’
The statement read, “On behalf of the people of the United States, I send warm wishes to the government and people of Nigeria as they inaugurate a new President.
“My administration has worked to strengthen ties between the United States and Nigeria, and I look forward to continuing this work with President Tinubu to support economic growth, advance security, and promote respect for human rights.
“The people-to-people connections between our two countries run particularly deep, nurtured by a vibrant Nigerian Diaspora in the United States.
“As we further deepen our partnership with Nigeria, I look forward to drawing even more on the ideas and energy of this dynamic connection between our countries. ‘’
Biden further stated, “As Africa’s largest democracy and economy, Nigeria’s success is the world’s success. Elected leaders owe it to their people to show that democracy can deliver for their needs.
‘’And the United States will continue to work closely with Nigeria, as a friend and partner, to deliver a more peaceful and prosperous future for our world.
“We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own. We are here to further mend and heal this nation, not tear and injure it.’’
Business
Dangote Partners Honeywell International to Boost Refinery Capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day
Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest single-train petroleum refinery, has signed a landmark contract with U.S. industrial giant Honeywell International to execute a significant capacity upgrade that will boost the facility’s crude processing capability from the current 650,000 barrels per day to an ambitious 1.4 million barrels per day.
The multi-billion-dollar project, described by sources close to the deal as one of the largest refinery expansion initiatives globally in recent years, will involve the installation of advanced process units, automation systems, and energy-efficiency technologies supplied and integrated by Honeywell UOP and Honeywell Process Solutions.
Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, confirmed the partnership, stating: “This strategic collaboration with Honeywell will position the Dangote Refinery as one of the top five largest refineries in the world by capacity.
The upgrade will not only enhance our ability to meet Nigeria’s complete refined products demand but also establish the refinery as a major export hub for gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and petrochemicals across Africa and beyond.
”The expansion is expected to be implemented in phases, with key units including additional crude distillation, hydrocracking, and catalytic reforming modules.
Honeywell’s proprietary technologies are anticipated to improve yield of high-value products while reducing energy consumption and emissions.Upon completion, the 1.4 million bpd Dangote Refinery will surpass the current global top-tier facilities such as Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar Refinery (1.24 million bpd) and Paraguay’s planned 1.2 million bpd project, cementing its status as the world’s largest single-train refinery.
The project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs during the construction and commissioning phases and further reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
A spokesperson for Honeywell confirmed the award, saying the company was “honored to partner with Dangote on this transformative project that will reshape the African downstream landscape.
”Detailed timelines and the exact value of the contract were not disclosed, but industry analysts estimate the expansion could exceed $5–7 billion in total investment.
The statement said: Dangote Group is pleased to announce that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Honeywell International Inc to support the next phase of expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
This collaboration will provide advanced technology and services that will enable the refinery to increase its processing capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2028, marking a major milestone in our long-term vision to build the world’s largest petroleum refining complex.
Through this agreement, Honeywell will supply specialised catalysts, equipment, and process technologies that will allow the refinery to process a broader slate of crude grades efficiently and to further enhance product quality and operational reliability.
Honeywell, a global Fortune 100 industrial and technology company, offers a wide portfolio of solutions across aviation, automotive, industrial automation, and advanced materials.
Honeywell’s division UOP has been a technology partner to Dangote since 2017, providing proprietary refining systems, catalyst regeneration equipment, high performance column trays, and heat exchanger technologies that support our best-in-class operations.
Dangote Group is also advancing its petrochemical footprint. As part of the wider collaboration, we are scaling our polypropylene capacity to 2.4 million metric tons annually using Honeywell’s Oleflex technology.
Polypropylene is a key industrial material widely used across packaging, manufacturing, and automotive applications.In addition to refining expansion, Dangote Group is progressing with the next phase of its fertiliser growth plan in Nigeria. We will increase our urea production capacity from 3 million metric tons to 9 million metric tons annually.
The existing plant consists of two trains of 1.5 million metric tons each. The expansion will add four additional trains to meet growing demand for high-quality fertiliser across Africa and global markets.
Dangote Group remains fully committed to delivering world-class industrial capacity, strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, and driving sustainable economic growth through long-term investment, innovation, and strategic global partnerships.
News
Governor Soludo Presents ₦607.3 Billion 2026 Budget Proposal to Anambra State House of Assembly (Photos)
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, on Tuesday presented the 2026 Draft Budget Estimates totaling ₦607,346,637,000 (Six Hundred and Seven Billion, Three Hundred and Forty-Six Million, Six Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand Naira) to the Anambra State House of Assembly for consideration and passage.

Tagged “Budget for Consolidation and Continuity,” the 2026 fiscal plan represents a 41.5% increase over the revised 2025 budget of ₦429.4 billion.
Speaking during the presentation at the State Assembly Complex in Awka, Governor Soludo described the proposal as a realistic, growth-oriented and people-focused budget designed to consolidate the gains of his administration while laying a solid foundation for the sustainable transformation of Anambra State into a livable and prosperous smart megacity.

Key highlights of the 2026 budget include:- Recurrent Expenditure: ₦103.6 billion (17.1%)- Capital Expenditure: ₦503.7 billion (82.9%)- Education: ₦79.3 billion (highest sectoral allocation)- Infrastructure (roads, erosion control, water): over ₦200 billion combined- Health, youth entrepreneurship, security and social investment programs also received significant boosts.
Governor Soludo emphasized that the budget prioritizes completion of ongoing legacy projects, aggressive infrastructure development, human capital development, and economic transformation in line with the administration’s vision of making Anambra the preferred destination to live, invest, learn, work and relax.

The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, received the draft estimates on behalf of the lawmakers and assured expeditious consideration and passage, pledging the House’s continued partnership with the executive arm in delivering democratic dividends to ndị Anambra.
Lawmakers, traditional rulers, government officials, and stakeholders witnessed the historic presentation.

Read the full speech below:
Mr. Speaker and Honorable Members, it gives me immense pleasure to appear before this Honorable House once again to perform one of our sacred constitutional responsibilities: the presentation of the draft 2026 Budget Proposals for your kind consideration.
Let me begin by expressing my profound gratitude to Ndi Anambra for the renewed mandate given to my Deputy Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim and I, in the just-concluded Governorship Election. With an unprecedented voter turn-out and historic 73% vote for us, you spoke very loudly and emphatically that the Solution must continue.
We do not take this historic vote of confidence for granted. We also appreciate the pivotal role played by a majority of members of this House in our victory. Your mandate has reinvigorated and energized us to work even harder to continue to make you proud.
As we said all through the campaign and as the Americans would say: you ain’t seen nothing yet. Let us make history together in the coming four years! To our co-contestants as well as the minority that did not vote for us, I once again extend our hands of fellowship.
Democracy won, Anambra won, and we are here to serve you. Ours is one state, one people, with one agenda. Let us unite and build Anambra together!
Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, back to the business of the day. Let me place on record that this Honorable Assembly has been a strong, dependable, and progressive partner in our drive to lay the foundations for a livable and prosperous smart mega city.
History will indeed be kind to this 8th Assembly for your commitment, hard work, and exceptional productivity. I particularly recall that on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, I signed into law 11 landmark bills passed by this Assembly, plus other laws before the end of 2024.
In 2025, the Assembly has passed 11 bills and some are still in the pipeline for the year. Ndi Anambra are happy with the leadership and most members of this Assembly for being great partners in progress.
Recall, Mr. Speaker, Hon members that this administration is the first government since we crafted the Anambra Vision 2070—a 50 Year Development Plan for the State, and thus with the historic duty to lay the foundations for the envisioned livable and prosperous smart mega city (the African Dubai-Taiwan- Silicon Valley – ADTS).
This first term of our administration will end on March 17, 2026. Over the past three years and eight months, we have been very intentional and focused on delivering across the five pillars of our Manifesto (Soludo Solution: A Peoples Manifesto for a Greater Anambra) as the short-term agenda en route towards 2070, namely: Security, Law and Order; Infrastructure and Economic Transformation; Human Capital and Social Agenda; Governance and New Value System; and Environmental Sustainability.
Suffice it to report that we have been firing on all cylinders over the past three years and the results are evident even to the blind. Many now say that Anambra is happily on the rise.
In our End of Term Report in March 2026, we will present a comprehensive Report Card. Here we allude to some nuggets. We have strengthened our security architecture, and I am pleased to report substantial progress.
Normalcy has returned to Anambra State, particularly in Ihiala LGA, and it is safe to say that Anambra is now one of the safest, if not the safest, state in Nigeria.
We commend our brave and professional security agencies. We have zero tolerance for criminality, touting, cultism, drug offences as well as for the dangerous native doctors who aid and promote criminal idolatry and criminality. We must unite to root out all evil among us and promote a new moral and ethical code.
In our drive to build a fit-for-purpose modern infrastructure for Anambra, we have sustained an unprecedented pace of road construction across the State.
Today, over 900 kilometres of roads are under construction, with some 600 kilometres already asphalted within just 44 months and with a level of quality that Anambra has not witnessed before (average completion rate of 14 km of new road per month) plus over 700 km of repaired old roads under the zero pothole programme, and 8 bridges.
The Ekwulobia Flyover and Bus Terminal/shopping mall have been fully completed. Our transformative policy of dualizing all Trunk A roads (federal and state) has propelled us racing to complete the dualization of over 100km of roads—creating a strategic beltway around the state and linking our major urban cities.
You all now enjoy the completed Aroma Link Bridge connecting the two major sections of Awka and significantly ease intra-city movement. Importantly, we have broken the 34-year-old jinx of not having a befitting Government House and Governor’s Lodge in Awka.
The new complex named the “Light House” has been completed, and we have since moved in. This is a historic milestone and a testament of true leadership. For the first time in decades, urban and semi-urban water schemes are back and functional, restoring access to clean, reliable water for our people across communities. Our comprehensive Rail Transport Masterplan is ready.
Our vision to transform Anambra into a destination of choice rather than a departure lounge is fully on course. A key element of livability—the availability of facilities for leisure and entertainment—is now in place at Awka.
The Solution Fun City, now the largest leisure and entertainment complex in West Africa, has become a reality. Since its commissioning alongside the Light House by the President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on 8th May 2025, it has commenced operations by end of July and in three and half months of operations, it has attracted over 100,000 visitors from far and wide.
Considerable progress has also been made on other tourism and hospitality infrastructures. The piling work for the 10-storey 5 Star Hotel in Awka has been completed and construction will soon commence.
The development of the Awka City Park as well as the Agulu Lake Beach Resort is ongoing. One of the largest shopping malls in Africa will soon be commissioned here in Awka. We are intentional about developing Awka as a befitting state capital.
Our human capital agenda is powered by a big bang revolution designed to build the next generation of citizens with great stakes in our future and who are productive at home and exportable abroad.
It is a revolutionary policy that provides ladders of opportunity to every child—from the womb to productive adulthood and to respectable retirement. Space would not permit further elaboration here.
In the education sector, the revolution is on, with historic results. With the employment of 8,115 within a year and a half, we have largely ended the era of schools without teachers. We have sustained our free education policy in all public schools from kindergarten to senior secondary school while strengthening the capacity of the teachers as well as the administrative structures.
Enrolment in public secondary schools is up by 47% while the primary schools increased by 27% leading Anambra to have the lowest out of school children in the country. Our 22 pilot smart schools have been fully rolled out, marking a major leap in building a digital tribe.
The lost glory of public education has been restored. Today, our public schools are winning national awards, our students are excelling in external examinations such as WAEC, and our teachers are celebrated across Nigeria as the Best.
We have also sustained the monthly operational costs for both primary and secondary schools to ensure they have the required resources to deliver the quality education we promised.
These efforts are complemented by several other ongoing interventions across the sector. Our commitment to partnership with the mission schools remains unwavering. Currently, the government spends over ₦1.2 billion monthly to pay the salaries of government teachers deployed to these schools, excluding the pensions and gratuity of teachers who retired from them.
In the health sector, the revolution is also on. Our policy to provide free antenatal and delivery services for pregnant women has benefitted about 161,197 women (including free 594 caesarean surgery), with zero mortality.
We have commissioned four out of the five brand-new General Hospitals initiated by our administration in local governments that never had a general hospital. The construction, modernization, and equipping of 326 Primary Health Centres across the State with solar power, boreholes, and essential medical equipment are at an advanced stage.
The Trauma Centre at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital has been fully completed, strengthening our capacity for emergency care. As a government, we are also determined to complete the Coordinated Wholesale Centre in Oba – a drug market that will be the largest in Africa. Let me assure this Honorable House that the decades-long jinx will soon be broken.

This project is crucial to ending the challenges associated with open and unregulated drug markets in Anambra State. Additionally, the construction of a new nursing school in the State has reached advanced stages, further strengthening our health workforce pipeline.
Building the capacity of our young people and empowering them remains a top priority of our administration. Through our One Youth, Two Skills programme, we have continued to equip our youth with the skills required to survive and thrive. We have successfully graduated and empowered 13,300 youth entrepreneurs who proudly describe themselves as young millionaires. Solution Innovation District (SID), our digital transformation agenda is gaining traction.
So far, 95,735 young people have been trained in various digital skills, positioning Anambra as a talent hub in Nigeria. The iconic SID building, our own version of Silicon Valley, a place where the next generation of tech giants and innovators will be birthed is now at the finishing stages.
Once completed, it will become the nerve centre of digital skills development, innovation, and entrepreneurship in our state.
As a government founded on the manifesto of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) with a progressive ideal to “leave no one behind,” we are very intentional about building human capacity and lifting people out of poverty.
In addition to the foregoing— health and education as well as youth empowerment—our reinvention of the M.I. Okpara oil palm revolution plus other rare seedlings—coconut, ukwa, bitter kola, etc—are targeted at lifting over 200,000 households out of poverty and empowering people for life.
We have sustained our zero-tax policy for petty traders as well as for artisans, barrow pushers, hawkers, and other vulnerable groups. Furthermore, this administration continues to place the highest priority on the welfare of Ndi Anambra, especially our workers and pensioners.
We have cleared about N22 billion in arrears of gratuity owed to state and local government retirees which this administration inherited and already paid two tranches to clear the arrears owed to dismissed workers of the defunct Water Corporation since over 17 years ago—and will soon pay the final tranche. We now take the prompt payment of monthly salaries, pensions, and gratuity for granted.
The welfare of our workers remains central to our social contract and to the inclusive development we are working tirelessly to deliver.
Mr. Speaker, Hon Members, the list of outcomes is too long for this address. We have said nothing about the robust reforms of how government works—transparent, tech-driven, service-oriented, and value-for money cultured public service.
For example, our land administration has been digitalized and it now takes a few days rather than months/years to obtain/change C of Os.
We have said nothing about how we are battling and taming our environment, which is Anambra’s number one existential threat. As we stated earlier, a more comprehensive report is coming next year.
Let us get back to the budget matter. Recall that on November 19, 2024, I presented to this Honorable House the 2025 Budget, titled “Changing Gears 2.0”, which you diligently reviewed and passed into law. We proposed a modest budget of ₦606,991,849,118 for the 2025 fiscal year, compared to ₦410 billion for 2024, representing a 48% increase.
Recurrent expenditure stood at ₦139.5 billion (a 45% YoY growth), while capital expenditure was ₦467.5 billion (48.9% YoY growth). The budget deficit was estimated at ₦139.5 billion, representing 24% of the budget compared to 30% in 2024.
As you are aware, the macroeconomic environment in which we are implementing the 2025 budget has been both challenging and reassuring. Inflation persisted in double digits with significant pressures on the cost of living and the cost of governance.
However, there is relative stability in the macro-economic environment, with declining headline inflation as well as stable exchange rates.
Our IGR, as of October 2025, showed year-on-year improvement, though still below projections, while expected receipts from the Federation Account fell below expectation. Despite the foregoing, budget performance stood above 60% pro rata, and notably even in an election year, we remained focused on execution mode.
Here, today, and before you is the 2026 Budget Proposal for Anambra State. From all that has been presented thus far, it is evident that there is no slowing down in our journey. Rather, we will accentuate the drive as this is an agenda with a deadline.
We remain focused on acceleration mode, driven by a steadfast commitment to execution. In 2026, we intend to focus even more intensely and intentionally on the full execution of our multi-faceted agenda.
Accordingly, we have appropriately titled the 2026 Budget: “Changing Gears 3.0: Solution Continues”. Yes, indeed Solution Continues — and surely in the second term of this administration, we will turn on to Gear 4 for speedy acceleration as we continue to lay solid foundations en route to Anambra’s ADTS vision.
The proposed budget size for the 2026 fiscal year is ₦757,884,487,705. When compared to the 2025 budget of ₦606,991,849,118, this represents a 24.1% increase, reflecting our intensified focus on execution. Recurrent expenditure is projected at ₦162.6 billion, representing a 16.6% year-on-year growth, while capital expenditure stands at ₦595.3 billion, a 26.3% growth relative to 2025.
Notably, the Capital Budget accounts for 79% of the total budget size, with recurrent expenditure at 21% — a clear demonstration of our commitment to deliver tangible outcomes for Ndi Anambra.
The budget deficit is estimated at ₦225.7 billion, representing 29.8% of the total budget size. As previously, this deficit is expected to be financed, if necessary, through hybrid financing options including possible privatization proceeds, bump in IGR collections, and concessionary borrowing mostly for bankable projects.
However, since the beginning of this administration, we have not borrowed to finance budget deficits, and depending on the pace of execution in 2026, we may still not need to borrow.
Our fiscal discipline remains firm. Relative to 2025, all key sectors increased year-on-year: Administrative Sector (12.2%), Economic Sector (26.7%), Social Sector (31.4%), Education (46.9%), Health (13%), and Infrastructure Investments (27.7%).
These increases reflect our priorities in strengthening human capital, boosting economic growth, expanding critical infrastructure, and securing the well-being of Ndi Anambra.
Our focus in 2026 is to deepen and consolidate the foundations laid in our first tenure, while also introducing new legacy projects that will define Anambra’s future for decades to come while delivering across the five pillars of the Solution Agenda.
Our central priorities remain Security, law, and order; Infrastructure and Economic Transformation; and Human Capital Development.
At least 70% of the 2026 budget is allocated to these critical sectors, reflecting their importance to our long-term development trajectory. We are sustaining the momentum of our transport infrastructure revolution especially building/dualizing strategic roads, bridges, and flyovers that connect the entire state.
We will continue major investments in our mass transit systems, expanding buses, developing new jetties, acquiring boats, and facilitating safer, faster transportation along our waterways. We are exploring PPP financing model for our Rail Masterplan.
Alongside this, we are progressing with the development of three new cities: Awka 2.0, Greater Niger, and the Aerotropolis/ New Industrial-commercial City. The construction of the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City will commence in earnest in 2026.
This project signals the next phase of our industrial transformation. Urban planning and regeneration will be accelerated. Furthermore, we will intensify efforts to enhance the Ease of Doing Business in Anambra State, ensuring that our State remains the preferred destination for both local and foreign investors.
In 2026, our plan is to deepen ongoing investments in education, sustaining our free and qualitative education and bursary scheme. We will continue constructing new schools, while upgrading and equipping existing ones to meet modern standards.
To begin, we will commence the construction of new public primary schools in 30 out of the 76 communities that have never had a public primary school, setting a new benchmark for what an ideal school should look like in Anambra State.
Alongside this, we will sustain the aggressive upgrade of infrastructure in our primary and secondary schools through multiple schemes especially the ASUBEB programme, ensuring that learning environments across the State are conducive and equipped.
In addition, we will be establishing two specialist tertiary institutions to strengthen our higher education. We will continue to support mission schools, particularly the returned mission schools. Government teachers posted to these schools help to make them stronger and reduce their charges on pupils/students.
To further strengthen collaboration, a committee will be set up to work closely with the Missions to identify additional ways the government can support these returned schools within our resource constraints. Our shared goal remains clear: to ensure that every child in Anambra State has access to qualitative and transformative education for the 21st century.
Similarly, we will be deepening our ongoing interventions in healthcare and, in addition, completing the investment in the entire healthcare ecosystem with the completion of our College of Nursing and the construction of our specialist teaching hospital (with specialization in Oncology).
Alongside these, we will continue the renovation and equipping of existing primary and secondary healthcare facilities across the State, among other interventions. Also, in 2026, we plan to scale up the One Youth, Two Skills programme to accommodate even more young people, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to thrive as entrepreneurs.
We are equally intensifying our investment in digital skills development. This includes the completion of the iconic Solution Innovation District (SID) building and the development of the broader district in partnership with the private sector, further positioning Anambra as a growing hub for technology and innovation.
Access to clean water is not a luxury. We are expanding water schemes with a goal of general access to safe, reliable water for household and industrial use.
We will continue our efforts to extend power access to underserved communities and affordable power to major business axis in the state. We have developed a regulatory framework based on the bill passed by this House for developing Anambra Electricity Market.
We have constituted and inaugurated the Board of the new Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC), and the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ordered the transfer of regulatory oversight to them in compliance with the National Electricity Amendment Act of 2023. This signposts that the state is fully ready for the private sector investment in the sector.
The needs of poor and vulnerable individuals are also addressed in this budget. For example, besides the free education, free medical services and tax breaks for the poor, tens of thousands of households will receive ten or more seedlings of coconut, palm, ukwa, pawpaw, soursop, and other crops per household as we have done in the past.
We will also provide grants to micro-businesses across 326 wards in the state as part of our commitment to our Party’s mantra of being our brother’s and sister’s keeper.
Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, what lies before you today is not just a booklet of numbers, it is a blueprint of solution, a framework for disciplined growth, and a strategic response to our economic realities.
The 2026 budget size stands at approximately $520 million, modest not only in historical terms but especially when adjusted for today’s inflation and the sharply depreciated purchasing power of the naira. Even if we execute this budget at 100%, it will still represent merely a fraction of what was spent in some previous years.
But Ndi Anambra, we have no excuses. We applied for this job. We asked for your mandate and we must deliver, despite all constraints.
This administration remains fully committed to responsible fiscal management. As stated in the 2025 budget, we will only borrow under two strict conditions: the loan must be concessionary with low interest rates, and the borrowing must finance projects with clear, measurable plans for future repayment.
No borrowing for consumption. No borrowing for frivolity. Only borrowing to build assets, generate revenue, and strengthen the future.
Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, funding the budget remains one of our most persistent challenges. Under this administration, frugality is not a slogan, it is a culture, a discipline, and a way of life. Our mantra remains: doing more with less.
It is no accident that Anambra has been ranked No. 1 in fiscal transparency, and more recently, the leading State in fiscal sustainability. We have cut the cost of governance to the bare bones, prioritizing value over volume.
The unprecedented ratio of 21% recurrent to 79% capital expenditure speaks volumes. We are investing in tomorrow, not consuming today.
Our weakest link, however, remains the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). For several years, our IGR performance has consistently fallen short of budgeted expectations and potential.
In the coming weeks, we will be partnering to launch an aggressive, technology-driven renewal of our revenue system, blocking leakages, widening the tax net, supporting willing taxpayers, and enforcing compliance where necessary. Ndi Anambra, we must all join hands. The future we seek cannot be funded by wishful thinking.
We will continue to deepen strategic partnerships with the Federal Government, the international community, the private sector, our productive local governments, and vibrant communities.
We are proud of the many communities and stakeholders who, in the true Anambra spirit, are investing heavily in their communities, building roads, upgrading schools and hospitals, co-funding security, and complementing government efforts in unprecedented ways.
Together, we are expanding the big tent of collective development. To demonstrate our commitment to our development partners, we have set aside counterpart funding in this budget. This will unlock more opportunities, more grants, and more collaborative projects for our State.
Finally and to conclude, Mr. Speaker and Honorable members, let me once again express my profound appreciation to the members of the Solution Team, the distinguished Members of the 8th Assembly, the Judiciary, our committed public and civil servants, our indefatigable teachers, and our gallant security agencies.
I extend warm gratitude to our community leaders, traditional rulers, religious bodies, the private sector, the international community, the President and the Federal Government, the media, NGOs, our youths, women, and students. Your sacrifices, and your unrelenting support remain the pillars of our progress. We do not, and will never, take them for granted.
As we implement the 2026 budget, your continued partnership will be indispensable. I assure you that every kobo entrusted to us will be deployed prudently, transparently, and with maximum value for our people.
Ndi Anambra have placed their trust in us, and together with our Solution Team, we will continue to work day and night to lay solid foundations for the prosperous, livable, smart homeland we envision.
News
UPDATE: President Tinubu welcomes freed Kebbi schoolgirls, charges security forces to rescue others still in captivity (Video)
President Tinubu welcomes the freed Kebbi schoolgirls, charges the security forces to rescue others still in captivity
President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the release today of the 24 schoolgirls abducted by terrorists in Maga Kebbi last Monday.
Terrorists struck at the school at dawn on November 17 and abducted the girls, moments after a military detachment left the premises.
The Kebbi incident triggered some other copycat kidnappings in Eruku in Kwara State and Papiri in Niger State.
All 38 kidnapped victims in Eruku were freed on Sunday. The same day, the Niger State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria said 50 of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger have been found in their parents’ homes.
President Tinubu applauded the security agents for all the efforts made to secure freedom for all the victims taken away by the terrorists.
He tasked the security agents to make more efforts to rescue the remaining students still being held captive.
“ I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for. Now, we must put as a matter of urgency more boots on the ground in the vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping. My government will offer all the assistance needed to achieve this,” President Tinubu said.
Watch video below:
-
Business2 days agoDangote is expanding its Sugar Business by $700m
-
Entertainment2 days ago2Baba Natasha Deliver Baby Girl
-
Crime2 days agoHunting down those who kill people to sell their body parts for ‘magic charms
-
News2 days agoBauchi Students, Pupils Won’t Write First Term 2025 Exam Over Insecurity
-
News3 days agoUPDATE: President Tinubu Confirms Rescue of 38 Kwara Worshippers, 51 Niger School Children (Video)
-
Business2 days agoDisasters cost global agriculture $3.26 trillion over three decades – FAO
-
News2 days agoOkonjo-Iweala Decries Kidnappings of school children, teachers
-
Politics2 days agoAtiku to pick up ADC membership card today
