By Chike Mabene
Mr. Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s Budget 2026 tagged, “Changing Gears 3.0: Solution Continues.” aptly outlined a number of MUST-Dos necessary for the disruptive changes that he envisages will guarantee long term safety and prosperity, and ultimately the achievement of a “liveable and prosperous homeland” for Ndi Anambra.
Here are 20 key points to note from Mr. Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s 2026 Budget presentation:
1. Budget Size: ₦757.88 billion, representing a 24.1% increase from 2025.
2. Capital Expenditure: ₦595.3 billion (79% of total budget), with 26.3% year-on-year growth.
3. Recurrent Expenditure: ₦162.6 billion (21% of total budget), with 16.6% year-on-year growth.
4. Budget Deficit: ₦225.7 billion (29.8% of total budget).
5. Funding: Hybrid options, including privatization proceeds, increased IGR, and concessionary borrowing.
6. No Borrowing: Soludo’s administration has not borrowed to finance budget deficits.
7. Sectoral Increases: Administrative (12.2%), Economic (26.7%), Social (31.4%), Education (46.9%), Health (13%), and Infrastructure (27.7%).
8. Education Priority: Sustaining free and qualitative education, construction of new schools, and establishing specialist tertiary institutions.
9. New Cities: Developing Awka 2.0, Greater Niger, and Aerotropolis/New Industrial-Commercial City.
10. Infrastructure: Transport revolution, including roads, bridges, flyovers, and mass transit systems.
11. Public-Private Partnership: Exploring PPP model for rail masterplan.
12. Security: Allocating at least 70% of budget to security, law, and order.
13. Human Capital Development: Focus on education, health, and social agenda.
14. IGR Growth: Projected increase in internally generated revenue.
15. Frugality: “Doing More with Less” mantra.
16. Fiscal Transparency: Rated number one state in fiscal transparency.
17. Youth Empowerment: Upscalling implementation of the One-Youth-Two-Skills program and digital skill training.
18. Agriculture: Support for micro-businesses and farmers.
19. Healthcare: Free antenatal and delivery services, and modernizing health centers.
20. Economic Transformation: Focusing on industrialization and private sector growth
There is no gainsaying that these twenty key points from Mr. Governor, Soludo’s 2026 budget
with focus on education, infrastructure, security, and economic growth etc., encapsulate a clear roadmap for transforming Anambra State into a liveable and prosperous homeland, setting the stage for sustainable development and improved living standards for the people. The emphasis on fiscal transparency, frugality, and public-private partnerships demonstrates the administration’s commitment to prudent management and innovation. As Anambra State gears up for change, the success of this budget will depend on effective implementation and the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
*Mabene, a senior Journalist, writes from Awka.*
