By Tony Okafor, Awka
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, on Tuesday laid the ₦757.8 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill before the Anambra State House of Assembly, presenting what he described as an acceleration blueprint for the state’s ongoing transformation under the “Changing Gears 3.0: Solution Continues” agenda.
Addressing lawmakers during the formal budget presentation at the Assembly complex in Awka, Soludo said the proposed spending plan reflects intensified execution, expanded infrastructure development and deeper human capital investments.
He expressed gratitude to Ndi Anambra for the renewed mandate in the recently concluded governorship election, noting that the overwhelming support had strengthened the administration’s resolve to deliver at a faster pace.
He also commended the 8th Assembly for what he called an exemplary partnership that has advanced the state’s reform trajectory.
Soludo announced a total proposed expenditure of ₦757,884,487,705, representing a 24.1 percent increase over the 2025 budget of ₦606.99 billion. Capital expenditure is projected at ₦595.3 billion, accounting for 79 percent of the budget, while recurrent expenditure stands at ₦162.6 billion, or 21 percent.
The budget deficit is estimated at ₦225.7 billion, or 29.8 percent of the total, and is expected to be financed through improved internally generated revenue, privatization proceeds and concessionary financing.
He stressed that the state has not borrowed since the beginning of his administration and may still maintain that record depending on 2026 revenue performance.
The Governor said the budget prioritizes security, infrastructure, economic transformation and human capital development, which together take up more than 70 percent of the proposed spending.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding the ongoing road revolution, dualizing major routes, completing new bridges and strengthening mass transit systems through additional buses, new jetties and improved waterway transportation.
He also highlighted progress on the development of three new cities: Awka 2.0, Greater Niger City and the Aerotropolis/New Industrial City, alongside preparations for the commencement of the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City in 2026.
Efforts to enhance the Ease of Doing Business and attract both local and foreign investment, he said, would accelerate in the coming year.
On education, Soludo reported that the state will begin construction of new public primary schools in 30 communities that currently have none, while continuing major rehabilitation and upgrades across existing schools.
He added that two new specialist tertiary institutions will be established, and support for mission schools will remain strong through government deployment of teachers and additional collaborative measures.
In the health sector, the Governor pledged deeper interventions, including completion of the State College of Nursing, advancement of a specialist teaching hospital focusing on oncology and continued renovation of primary and secondary healthcare facilities.
He said that the free antenatal and delivery programme—which has already benefited over 161,000 women—will be sustained.
Soludo also disclosed that the administration will scale up the One Youth, Two Skills programme, which has produced thousands of young entrepreneurs, and intensify digital skills development.
He said the Solution Innovation District (SID), designed as Anambra’s own Silicon Valley, is nearing completion and will serve as an innovation hub for young tech talents.
The Governor used the occasion to highlight achievements recorded since his inauguration, including major security improvements, over 900 kilometres of roads under construction, restoration of urban water schemes, construction of the new Government House complex, expansion of teaching and health personnel and the training of over 95,000 youths in digital skills.
He commended security agencies for restoring peace to Ihiala and other areas, noting that Anambra is now among the safest states in Nigeria.
Soludo thanked the Legislature for its productivity, citing the passage of 11 landmark bills in 2024 and another 11 so far in 2025.
He urged the House to give accelerated consideration to the Appropriation Bill to sustain the development momentum as his administration enters the final stretch of its first term.
He assured lawmakers that his government remains committed to fiscal discipline, transparency and the long-term vision of transforming Anambra into a livable and prosperous smart mega city as outlined in the Anambra Vision 2070 plan.
