By Sophia Afolabi
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has signed the state’s ₦1.4 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, officially christening it as the “Budget of Economic Breakthrough.”
Mr Uzodimma had presented the budget proposal to the Imo State House of Assembly on 22 December 2025.
The signing ceremony was held at the Imo State Government House Annex, Eziachi, in Orlu Local Government Area.
The governor described the signing as a reflection of effective democratic governance, applauding the cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government.
He commended members of the Imo State House of Assembly for what he described as their diligence and prompt handling of issues of public importance.
Mr Uzodimma said the ₦1.4 trillion budget was structured to stimulate economic growth and improve the standard of living of residents of the state.
He emphasised the need for fiscal discipline and improved revenue generation to ensure the successful implementation of the budget.
According to the governor, his administration remains focused on completing ongoing infrastructure projects across the state, particularly road construction and public facilities, before the end of his tenure.
He said infrastructure development in the state is guided by public utility rather than ownership, stressing the need for inclusive governance.
The governor also acknowledged the fiscal reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, noting that they have created opportunities for states to boost revenue generation.
He assured residents of Imo State of his administration’s continued commitment to responsible governance and effective service delivery in the coming year.
Mr Uzodimma said tangible improvements in electricity supply, healthcare delivery and other social amenities would strengthen public confidence in government spending, adding that citizen satisfaction remains a key indicator of success.
He further stated that the 2026 budget is expected to support small and medium-scale enterprises, attract both local and foreign investments, and strengthen revenue-generating agencies to drive economic development.
On security, the governor expressed optimism that peace is gradually returning to the state, noting that improved stability has created a more conducive environment for business and investment.
Earlier, the Imo State House of Assembly formally transmitted the approved 2026 budget estimates to the governor following legislative consideration and approval.
The Clerk of the House, Chinelo Emeghara, confirmed that the budget was returned to the executive after due legislative scrutiny to ensure alignment with the state’s development priorities.
She said Section 100, Subsection 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) mandates the governor to assent to an appropriation bill passed by the legislature to make it legally binding.
Leading a delegation of lawmakers, the Deputy Speaker, Amara Iwuanyanwu, who represented the Speaker, Chike Olemgbe, said the Assembly thoroughly examined the budget to ensure it addressed key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, digital development and rural growth.
Mr Iwuanyanwu described the budget as a strategic framework designed to drive economic and social development in Imo State, adding that the Assembly would ensure transparency, accountability and effective oversight throughout the 2026 fiscal year.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Chinyere Ekomaru; the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Ijeoma Agugua; the Secretary to the State Government, Cosmos Iwu; the Chief of Staff, Nnamdi Anyaehie; the Head of Service, Chikodi Emenalo; the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Irene Chima; the Accountant General, Linus Duru; and the Managing Director of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service, Justice Okoye.
Other officials present were the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Anselem Anyanwu; the Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy, Chuck Chuckmeka; the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba; the Commissioner for Health, Chioma Egu, among others.
