The Ondo State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, passed the 2026 appropriation bill of N524 billion, showing an increase of N31 billion over the original proposal by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, on November 17, presented the 2026 appropriation bill of N492 billion to the assembly.

The financial proposal was christened “Budget of Economic Consolidation.”

The passed budget represents 42.11 per cent allocated to the recurrent expenditure of N220 billion, while N303 billion representing 57. 89 per cent of the total budget is allocated to capital expenditure.

Earlier, the chairman of the House committee on finance and appropriation, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, who submitted the committee’s report on the budget, said the fiscal document would adequately address the economic realities in the state.

Mr Ogunmolasuyi said that the committee had wholly scrutinised the bill.

He stated that the committee exercised constraint in giving in to additional prayers from ministries, departments and agencies except in a few critical areas, leading to upward review of the budget.

Mr Ogunmolasuyi enjoined MDAs to strengthen their internally generated revenue (IGR), stating that there was need for improved funding for staff training and retraining in the public service.

In his words , the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, said the 2026 budget would strengthen economic growth in the state, promising continuous harmonious collaboration between the executive and legislature in the overall interest of the state.

Mr Oladiji noted that the legislative body recorded milestone achievements during the year, stating that many people-oriented and life-impacting bills were passed.

He appreciated members of the assembly for improved legislative duties, lauding the House committee on finance and appropriation and all lawmakers for their commitment to the quick passage of the bill.

Mr Oladiji promised the people of the state that the Assembly would monitor the budget’s implementation to ensure that its contents reflect into physical benefits for the entire state.

The speaker, therefore, declared a six-week recess.

 (NAN