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The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law following an extensive review process that featured public participation, budget defence sessions, and thorough legislative scrutiny.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Budget Monitoring and Appropriation, Hon. Olawumi Jacob, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists after the budget was approved on the floor of the Assembly.
According to Jacob, the budgeting process commenced with the formal presentation of the appropriation bill by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, after which the House opened the document to public examination.
Public Input and Legislative Review
He explained that a public hearing was organised to enable civil society organisations, stakeholders, and citizens across Kogi State to review the budget framework and make contributions.
“After the budget was laid before the House, we proceeded to the public hearing stage where civil society organisations and stakeholders from across the state scrutinised the budget lines,” Jacob said.
Following the public hearing, the House conducted detailed budget defence sessions. During these sessions, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), led by their respective commissioners, appeared before the committee to justify their proposed allocations.
Adjustments for Accountability and Development
Jacob noted that lawmakers carefully examined sectoral allocations and made necessary adjustments to promote efficiency, accountability, and alignment with the state’s development priorities.
“We thoroughly scrutinised the budget, reviewed the sectoral distribution of funds, and made necessary adjustments. The recommendations of civil society organisations were also considered and incorporated during the technical sessions,” he stated.
After deliberations, the House adopted the committee’s report, culminating in the passage of the budget into law.
“Once a budget is passed into law, it becomes binding. Nothing can be added or removed from it,” Jacob emphasised.
‘Budget of Shared Prosperity’
Describing the 2026 budget as people-centred, Jacob said it is themed “Budget of Shared Prosperity for Sustainable Development,” stressing that it is designed to benefit all residents of the state.
“It is a win-win for the entire state. The budget is geared towards shared prosperity and sustainable development for all,” he added.
The passage of the appropriation law now clears the way for the implementation of government programmes and projects across key sectors of Kogi State’s economy in the 2026 fiscal year.
