VIDEO:Soludo Unveils Ambitious ₦757.9bn 2026 Budget as Anambra Targets Infrastructure Expansion and Fiscal Stability

VIDEO:Soludo Unveils Ambitious ₦757.9bn 2026 Budget as Anambra Targets Infrastructure Expansion and Fiscal Stability

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has presented a significantly expanded ₦757.88 billion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Anambra State House of Assembly, marking one of the most defining economic statements of his second term in office. This financial proposal—representing a 24.1% rise from the previous year’s budget—signals a bold acceleration of his administration’s developmental blueprint and the continuation of far-reaching reforms that have shaped governance in the state over the last three years.

While addressing members of the Assembly, Governor Soludo explained that the expansion was a deliberate response to the state’s rising infrastructural needs, demographic pressures, and the urgent necessity to modernise public institutions. He noted that the 2026 fiscal plan is designed to consolidate the rebuilding process already in motion, strengthen economic resilience, and create a foundation for sustainable growth that benefits both urban and rural populations.

Soludo stated that a substantial portion of the budget will be directed toward upgrading Anambra’s infrastructure—particularly roads, bridges, flood management systems, and the ongoing urban renewal projects across Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, and major semi-urban communities. He emphasised that the administration is intensifying its efforts on strategic road networks to improve mobility for residents, boost commercial activities, and enhance overall connectivity across the state. Contractors handling ongoing projects are expected to receive increased support to ensure timely completion, while new projects have been earmarked to address critical infrastructure gaps.

Beyond roads, the governor highlighted that the education sector will witness notable expansion in funding, particularly in teacher recruitment, digital learning, and the rehabilitation of public schools. Soludo reiterated that human capital remains the backbone of his governance philosophy, describing education as the “greatest equaliser” capable of lifting young people into the global knowledge economy. Investments in school infrastructure, classroom technology, examination reforms, and curriculum modernisation are expected to deepen the gains recorded in recent years.

Healthcare development forms another important pillar in the proposed budget. Soludo explained that the government intends to strengthen primary healthcare centres, upgrade general hospitals, expand diagnostic facilities, and digitise patient record systems as part of his administration’s broader plan to make healthcare more accessible and efficient. New measures aimed at improving maternal health, immunisation coverage, and rural medical outreach programmes will also be scaled up.

The governor further noted that public safety and security infrastructure remain central to the administration’s priorities. According to him, the state will continue investing in surveillance technologies, intelligence gathering systems, and community-based security partnerships that have played a role in stabilising several flashpoint areas. He maintained that Anambra’s security architecture is evolving to meet modern threats, and the 2026 budget provides the financial backbone to sustain ongoing reforms.

Digital governance is also set for a major leap. Soludo disclosed that the state plans to automate more government services, enhance e-revenue platforms, and strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms through technology-driven systems. He said the government’s goal is to make Anambra one of the most efficient subnational administrations in Nigeria, with simplified processes, reduced bureaucracy, and improved transparency.

To fund the expansive 2026 fiscal plan, the governor emphasised that the state will rely heavily on improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), federal statutory allocations, and prudent management of public resources. Soludo assured lawmakers that the administration does not intend to depend excessively on borrowing, stressing that ongoing reforms at the Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) have significantly strengthened the state’s financial base.

Receiving the budget proposal, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly commended the governor for presenting a detailed and timely fiscal plan. He assured that lawmakers would conduct a transparent review of the document, adding that the Assembly was particularly interested in ensuring equitable distribution of projects across communities. Legislators also urged the executive to pay special attention to rural access roads, water projects, healthcare support in underserved areas, and youth economic empowerment.

Reactions from residents, policy observers, and civil society organisations have been largely supportive, with many describing the budget as realistic, forward-looking, and reflective of the state’s developmental aspirations. Business leaders in construction, transportation, agriculture, and ICT expressed optimism that the increased capital spending could stimulate growth, create new jobs, and attract more private investment. However, some groups emphasised the need for strict accountability, insisting that the government must ensure that funds are carefully managed and that projects are executed without delay.

Analysts say the 2026 Appropriation Bill marks a turning point for Anambra’s economic direction, deepening Soludo’s long-term reform agenda while expanding development across multiple sectors. As legislative debates commence, the proposal is expected to dominate political and economic discourse in the state, shaping public expectations for the coming year. Many believe that if effectively implemented, the budget could position Anambra as one of the fastest-rising subnational economies in Nigeria, reinforcing its status as a commercial and innovation hub in the Southeast.