Edo Government Dismisses Allegations of Secrecy Surrounding 2026 Budget
The Edo State Government has dismissed allegations that the state’s 2026 budget is being implemented in secrecy, describing the claims as false, misleading, and an attempt to distract the public from the administration’s development efforts.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Affairs, Hon. Haruna Braimoh, the government maintained that the 2026 Appropriation Law, christened the “Budget of Hope and Growth,” followed all constitutional and legislative procedures before its implementation commenced.
According to the statement, the budget was presented to the Edo State House of Assembly by Governor Monday Okpebholo in December 2025 and subsequently underwent legislative scrutiny before being passed into law and signed by the governor.
The government disclosed that the 2026 fiscal plan stands at ₦939.85 billion, with ₦637 billion, representing 68 percent of the total budget, earmarked for capital expenditure, while ₦302 billion, accounting for 32 percent, was allocated to recurrent expenditure.
It noted that the budget was carefully designed to support the administration’s SHINE agenda, which prioritises critical sectors including security, healthcare, infrastructure development, education, and economic growth across the state.
The statement further explained that following the governor’s assent, implementation of the budget commenced across ministries, departments, and agencies in line with approved allocations and established fiscal guidelines.
The government stressed that the budget remains a public document and serves as a key reference for the state’s fiscal policies, development priorities, and governance objectives.
Reacting to allegations that the budget document was hidden from the public, the state government expressed surprise over what it described as unfounded claims, insisting that there has been no attempt to conceal any aspect of the fiscal plan from citizens.
To reinforce its position, the government stated that the 2026 budget is publicly accessible on the official Edo State Government website, where residents, stakeholders, and interested members of the public can download and review the document in PDF format. http://edostate.gov.ng.
Reaffirming its commitment to good governance, the Edo State Government said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains dedicated to the principles of transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility, pledging to continue upholding these values in the interest of the people of Edo State.