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Patience Ogbodo-Iwuagwu
The Enugu State Government has allocated ₦521 billion to the education sector as the highest sectoral sharein the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
It could be recalled that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu state last Tuesday, presented N1.62 trillion 2026 budget estimates to the Enugu State House of Assembly.
Presenting the Budget proposal tagged Budget of Renewed Momentum, the Governor said the figure represents a 66.5 per cent increase over the N971 billion revised 2025 budget.
Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Barr. Chris-Robert Ozongwu in a press briefing on the 2026 budget proposal said the allocation underscores the administration’s commitment to transforming the state’s education system and preparing young people for a technology-driven future.
Ozongwu explained that the 2026 budget was crafted to deepen reforms and accelerate development following improvements recorded in the 2025 fiscal year.
He noted that enhanced revenue performance and stronger fiscal discipline enabled the government to channel more resources toward high-impact sectors.
The Commissioner highlighted education as the anchor of the 2026 development strategy, with N158b committed to constructing 16 smart senior secondary schools, N68b for 110 technical and vocational schools, and other funds committed to upgrading facilities across numerous learning institutions.
He added that the budget also provides for teacher training, classroom rehabilitation, and furnishing of laboratories to strengthen practical learning.
Speaking further, he said the budget allocates significant resources to healthcare noting “Key provisions include renovation of 43 cottage hospitals, upgrading 12 general hospitals, construction of 230 Type 2 primary healthcare centres, and equipping secondary health facilities,”.
Ozongwu said these interventions aim to expand access to quality medical services across urban and rural communities.
On works and infrastructure, Ozongwu said Roads and infrastructure also received significant attention, with ₦15 billion budgeted for the construction and rehabilitation of urban and rural roads across the state.
He said the government allocated ₦3 billion for ongoing work at the Enugu International Hospital located on Rangers Avenue adding that ₦6.5 billion was provided for the construction of the South North Bypass Ring Road, a dual-carriage route spanning 17.06 kilometres.
“Another ₦6.5 billion was set aside for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Agbani–Ugbawka–Nara–Nkerefi–Ebonyi boundary road covering 37 kilometres.
“Additional strategic road projects include ₦3 billion for the design and construction of the Eziaba–Ugbawka–Akpaa Imenna–Umuigbo–Amurri Road, covering 11.4 kilometres, and ₦2 billion for the Afor Ugbawka–Umuisiu–Ndiyi–Amaruolo–Ogbaku–PN Express Road, spanning 13.58 kilometres,” he said
In the agricultural sector, the Commisioner said government earmarked funds for establishing farm estates, purchasing tractors for mechanised farming, and developing agricultural processing zones.
“Additional provisions include fish pond clusters, greenhouse facilities, and a ₦10 billion agro-input programme to boost food production during the 2026 farming season,” he said
The Commissioner also announced investments in water and rural development, including procurement of pipes for reticulation, drilling of new boreholes, and construction of smart public toilets and sanitation facilities across 377 communities.
These projects, he said are designed to enhance public health and improve living conditions statewide.
Ozongwu said the 2026 budget is a balanced financial plan aimed at promoting inclusive growth, strengthening public services, and ensuring sustainable development.
He thereby assured residents that the government remains committed to transparency and accountability in delivering the projects highlighted in the budget.
