By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo on Tuesday presented a draft 2026 budget of ₦757,884,487,705 billion to the Anambra State House of Assembly, themed “Changing Gears 3.0: Solution Continues.”

Stating his government 2026 projections, Soludo revealed a proposed budget size of ₦757,884,487,705 billion, which represents a 24.1% increase from the 2025 budget of ₦606,991,849,118.

The 2026 draft budget has capital expenditure dominating at 79% (₦595.3 billion) while recurrent expenditure stands at 21% (₦162.6 billion).

He described the capital-heavy ratio as an intentional commitment to long-term development.

Sector breakdowns presented by the Governor showed significant increases across all major sectors: education (+46.9%), the social sector (+31.4%), economic sector (+26.7%), infrastructure (+27.7%), administrative sector (+12.2%), and health (+13%).

Soludo explained that the budget deficit, estimated at ₦225.7 billion (29.8% of total budget), would only be financed —if necessary—through hybrid financing options including possible privatization proceeds, increased IGR, or concessionary borrowing mostly for bankable-project financing. He insisted that his administration has not borrowed since taking office and may still maintain that record depending on execution pace.

He said, “Since the beginning of this administration, we have not borrowed to finance budget deficits, and depending on the pace of execution in 2026, we may still not need to borrow. Our fiscal discipline remains firm."

The Governor stressed that the state’s weakest fiscal link is its IGR performance, adding that a new technology-driven revenue overhaul would be launched within weeks to block leakages, expand the tax net, and enforce compliance.

He outlined major 2026 priorities to include, expansion of mass transit, new jetties and boats, PPP-driven rail projects, development of three new cities (Awka 2.0, Greater Niger, and Aerotropolis/New Industrial Commercial City), commencement of the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City, intensified urban regeneration, and fast-tracking the ease of doing business.

He further announced plans to construct new public primary schools in 30 communities, establish two specialist tertiary institutions, complete the College of Nursing, begin work on a specialist teaching hospital focused on oncology, complete the SID Building, and deepen digital-economy projects

Speaking shortly after presenting the draft budget, Soludo thanked Anambra people for what he described as an unprecedented 73% re-election mandate given to him and his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, in the November 8 governorship election in the state.

He said, "The landslide victory re-energized my team for faster and greater delivery in the years ahead. The renewed mandate is a loud, historic vote of confidence, as well as a clear signal that Ndị Anambra want the Solution to continue."

He praised the 8th Assembly for what he cited as “exceptional productivity,” even as he recalled the passage of 11 landmark bills in 2024 by the House and another 11 so far in 2025.

The Governor described the legislature as a strong, progressive partner in the march toward the Anambra Vision 2070, as well as the 50-year development blueprint targeted at building an African Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley–styled smart mega-city.

While reflecting on his three years and eight months in office, the governor noted that the state had been “firing on all cylinders,” with verifiable achievements visible across the five pillars of his Solution Manifesto.

He said "The have been impressive gains in security. Anambra has emerged “one of the safest, if not the safest, states in Nigeria,” with normalcy fully restored to previously troubled zones such as Ihiala.

"This administration has zero-tolerance approach to criminality, touting, cultism, drug offences, and the activities of “dangerous native doctors who aid criminal idolatry.”

Infrastructure:

On infrastructure, Soludo observed that his administration witnessed the most aggressive road construction era in the state’s history.

He announced that over 900 kilometres of roads are presently under construction, with 600 kilometres fully asphalted in under 44 months—an average of 14 km of new roads every month—alongside 700 km of rehabilitated old roads and the building of eight major bridges.

The governor used the occasion to celebrate the completion of the Ekwulobia Flyover and Bus Terminal, the dualization of more than 100 km of trunk roads, and the Aroma Link Bridge in Awka, noting that his administration broke the 34-year jinx of not having a befitting Government House, with the building named Light House completed and fully functional.

While announcing major historic strides in water schemes, power resources, urban renewal, and a comprehensive state, Soludo said that rail masterplan is already completed and occupied.

“For the first time in decades, urban and semi-urban water schemes are back and functional, restoring access to clean, reliable water for our people across communities. Our comprehensive Rail Transport Masterplan is ready", he stated.