Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Monday signed the ₦1.016 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, pledging faithful implementation and renewed momentum in the state’s development agenda.
The governor assented to the budget, officially titled the 2026 Appropriation Law, at Nvosi in Isialangwa South Local Government Area shortly after its passage by the Abia State House of Assembly.
Otti described the process leading to the signing as a demonstration of democratic engagement, transparency, and diligence between the executive and legislative arms of government. He commended lawmakers for their thorough scrutiny of the bill, noting that the review period reflected seriousness and commitment to the interests of Abia residents.
“I want to thank the team who worked very hard to produce the appropriation bill and dispatched it to the House. More thanks go to the House for expeditiously attending to the bill, crunching the numbers, and spending sleepless nights to ensure quick passage,” Otti said.
The governor noted that continuous engagement between the executive and legislature strengthened the final outcome. “Questions should be asked and numbers should be scrutinised. Two good heads, they say, are better than one,” he added.
Otti disclosed that the total budget size remained unchanged at ₦1.016 trillion, with capital and recurrent expenditure ratios retained in line with his administration’s development priorities. He said the budget aligns with his empowerment philosophy, focusing on creating an enabling environment for economic activities alongside sustained investment in social infrastructure, including health, education, and environmental projects.
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He assured that his administration would maintain fiscal discipline and adhere strictly to budgetary provisions, pledging to seek legislative approval should adjustments become necessary.
“This is a disciplined government and will stick to the budget that has been approved. If there is any reason for changes, we will come back with a legitimate defence,” Otti said.
Earlier, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, described the 2026 budget as a “Project of Acceleration and New Possibilities,” noting that the state was approaching “ground zero” after years of infrastructural and developmental challenges. Emeruwa added that developments in Abia were drawing attention beyond Nigeria and assured that the Assembly would continue to support the governor’s development agenda, vowing to prevent any reversal in the state’s transformation efforts.