Security, Health, Education Top Priorities as Edo Engages Citizens On 2026 Budget
The Edo State Government has structured its proposed 2026 Budget around a five-point agenda focusing on Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and Education, as part of efforts to strengthen economic resilience and improve the overall quality of life across the state.
The proposal, developed through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (MBEP), emphasizes inclusive governance and broad citizen participation in the budgeting process. This was demonstrated during a one-day stakeholders’ consultative forum held in Benin City.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Elizabeth Ebosele, highlighted that citizen engagement is essential to ensuring transparency and accessibility in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting stages of the budget. She noted that inclusive decision-making ensures government response to real community needs while fostering public trust.
She explained that the preparation of the 2026 Budget is guided by three core principles—transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. Dr. Ebosele assured participants that their contributions would shape a realistic and impactful fiscal plan, describing the consultative process as a reflection of the Governor’s commitment to openness and people-centered development.
In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Felix Akhabue; the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Nosa Adams Esq.; and the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea, commended the structure of the proposed budget.
They emphasized its strategic importance for economic growth and affirmed that it captures the aspirations of the people, urging participants to identify opportunities for improved internal revenue generation to support human capital development and infrastructure expansion.
During his presentation on the 2025 Citizens’ Budget and the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), the Director of Budget, Mr. Michael Oseh, compared the 2024 and 2025 budgets and provided updates on the state’s economic and fiscal performance. He also presented an analysis of 14 key sectors.
The forum brought together Commissioners, Heads of MDAs, Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, and citizens to examine policy priorities and contribute to the 2026 fiscal plan.
Civil society groups and NGOs also made contributions to the discussions. The Executive Director of the Network for the Advancement of People with Disabilities, Mr. Melody Omosa, commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for making specific budgetary provisions for persons with disabilities, describing it as a significant milestone for the state.
