Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the State House of Assembly on Monday. The proposed budget, which totals 644,004,816,893 naira, allocates 65.98 per cent to capital expenditure while the remaining 34.02 per cent is designated for recurrent spending.

The Governor explained that the fiscal plan is designed to support the poor and maintain workers' welfare. He stated that the administration would focus on completing ongoing capital projects and initiating new ones that align with the strategic needs of the state.

Specifically, the budget prioritises investments in security hardware, vehicles, and technology to improve responses to kidnapping and other criminal activities. AbdulRazaq added that the proposal includes plans to consolidate Kwara's position as a leading service, creative, and technology economy in Northern Nigeria.

AbdulRazaq disclosed that the budget of Consolidation and Sustained Growth is built around the following national economic outlook for the year: oil price of US $64.85; daily oil production estimates of 1.84m barrels per day; exchange rate of N1,400 per US dollar; and GDP growth of 4.68%.

He stated that the government is confident that the projects, once completed, will expand the economic base of the state, make the environment more conducive for business, provide fertile grounds for job creation and sustainable development, and free up more resources to deepen social protection for the poor.

He explained further that the government believes in the wellbeing of every segment of the state which is evident in not just the size of the plan that goes into Economic Affairs (26.46%) but also in the pragmatic inclusion that defines the administration.

"For instance, I have recently approved an adjustment to what the Medical Officers earn to attract and retain professionals for the good of our people.

"A new Teachers Salary Allowance (TSA) will be implemented in 2026 to further support our teachers and complement our infrastructural upgrades across health and education sectors. Also, we are making massive investment in Alfalfa Estate to reduce the herder-farmers clash, support food security, and empower thousands of our people in the value chain".

The governor disclosed that the state budget has never been a mere proposal. He noted that he has consistently delivered on the promise to leave Kwara far better than he met it, including restoring its place as a leading state in the country.

He also revealed that in the outgoing year, the government completed 38 roads and another 29 interlock access lanes across the state while 264.202kms of roads are at different stages of completion across the three Senatorial Districts.

"As of today, the Innovation Hub stands completed, growing our tech economy by more than $20m and offering great values to all. We have also achieved significant milestones across key projects, including the Kwara Hotel, International Conference Centre, Patigi Regatta Motel, Dada Pottery, Shea Butter Factories, Shonga ICT Complex, Prototype Primary School Adeta, Revenue House, and Indoor Sports Hall, Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hospital, alongside investments in agriculture across different value chains" he stated.

AbdulRazaq stressed that very impressive achievements were also made across education, water, and health sectors. Both campuses of Kwara State University in Osi and Ilesha Baruba have since been delivered, extending education opportunities to the people.

He revealed that the foundation-laying ceremony for the permanent site of the Kwara State University of Education has been conducted, while construction activities have commenced at the Kwara Smart City, adding that more will be done in the new year.

"The 2026 budget is critical for our legacy as an administration, and I urge this Honourable House to expedite legislative action on it.

"With this, I lay the 2026 Appropriation Bill before the House."

Inclusive Governance

The Speaker of the House, Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, in his remarks commended the governor for his "respect for the principle of separation of power, transparency, dedication to duties, visible projects in infrastructure, agric and food security, salary boost for workers, among others.

"Your administration has demonstrated a high level of fiscal discipline by strictly adhering to the principles of transparency and accountability in the utilization of public resources. This commitment has further strengthened public confidence in government and reinforced the Legislature-Executive partnership for good governance," he said.

"Let me say that we are particularly encouraged by the numerous projects and programmes being executed across the State under Your Excellency's leadership."

He also commended the Governor for his inclusive approach to governance, saying the House remains committed to giving the proposal the urgent attention it desires, engage with relevant MDAs and ensure that the outcome reflects the priorities of the state.

The budget session was attended by the Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi; House of Representatives member Raheem Tunji Olawuyi; Grand Kadi Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen; State APC leadership led by its Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi, cabinet members; and first class traditional rulers and Magajis led by the Etsu Patigi Ibrahim Umar Bologi II who stood in for the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.