In a decisive move signaling an aggressive push for economic self-reliance, Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has enacted the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.62 trillion into law. Dubbed the “Budget of Renewed Momentum,” this fiscal plan is not merely an accounting document but a strategic manifesto aimed at fundamentally restructuring the state’s revenue base and accelerating transformative projects. [[PEAI_MEDIA_X]] The signing ceremony at the Government House in Enugu underscores a pivotal shift from dependency on federal allocations to a model driven by robust Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Governor Mbah expressed profound gratitude to the Enugu State House of Assembly for their diligent and expedited passage of the bill. He framed the budget around core philosophies of inclusivity, accountability, transparency, and traceability, asserting that every expenditure must deliver tangible value to the citizens. This approach is designed to build strong institutions that can withstand political transitions and ensure sustainable development.
The most striking feature of the 2026 budget is its ambitious IGR target of N870 billion. To contextualize this audacious goal, Mbah highlighted the administration’s remarkable fiscal trajectory: lifting IGR from less than N30 billion in 2023 to over N180 billion in 2024, and a projected N400 billion by the end of 2025. “We are confident that we are not only going to achieve over N800 billion revenue for next year, but we are also even going to overshoot it,” the Governor stated, attributing this confidence to the unlocking of diverse economic potentials within the state.
The implications of this IGR drive are profound. Mbah projected that federal allocations (FAAC) would constitute a mere 27-28% of the state’s revenue in 2026. “It means that if we stay the course… we can effectively govern Enugu State without recourse to our FAAC allocation. FAAC allocation becomes something we may just save for our children and for the rainy days,” he explained. This vision of fiscal independence is rare among Nigerian states and represents a bold experiment in sub-national economic sovereignty.
However, the Governor was unequivocal about the sheer effort required. He broke down the target into sobering daily metrics: over N2.5 billion must be generated every day, translating to N18 billion weekly and N70 billion monthly. “It is something we have to work extremely hard to realise. We do not have the luxury of wasting even one day,” Mbah emphasized, announcing a symbolic suspension of the yuletide holiday for his appointees to underscore the urgency. [[PEAI_MEDIA_X]] This call to action highlights the discipline and relentless execution needed to transform budgetary projections into reality.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr. Uchenna Ugwu, credited the seamless legislative process to the executive’s early involvement of the legislature in budget formation, ensuring the document remained people-centric. He provided a glimpse into the tangible projects citizens can expect in 2026, which include:
- Expansion of road infrastructure networks.
- A 135.5 km rail project to enhance connectivity and commerce.
- Addition of 14 more aircraft to the state’s transport fleet, likely for cargo and passenger services.
- Development of new transport terminals.
- Completion of the ongoing 260 Smart Secondary Schools initiative.
- Finalization of 260 Farm Estates aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and youth employment.
This budget, therefore, serves as a financial engine for a broader physical and social infrastructure revolution. The “Budget of Renewed Momentum” is more than a spending plan; it is a social contract grounded in performance metrics and accountability. Its success hinges on the state’s ability to institutionalize revenue collection, attract private investment, and maintain the political will to prioritize long-term development over short-term political gains. [[PEAI_MEDIA_X]] For observers of Nigerian governance, Enugu’s 2026 fiscal strategy offers a compelling case study on the pursuit of sub-national economic resilience and self-sufficiency.
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