Ondo raises 2026 budget to N769bn for infrastructure

By Boye Oyeyemi The Ondo State Government has increased its 2026 budget from N524.4 billion to N769.38 billion, with the additional N244.97 billion expected to fund roads, water, healthcare and other critical infrastructure across the state. The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Olaolu Akindolire, disclosed this on Tuesday after the State Executive Council meeting, saying the upward review followed a midyear assessment of budget implementation. Akindolire explained that the review was necessary to bridge funding gaps, realign allocations and sustain projects that had recorded increased financial demands, while addressing emerging development needs in the remaining months of the year. He said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had directed that at least five kilometres of roads be constructed in each of the state's 18 local government areas before the end of 2026, translating to a minimum of 90 kilometres of new roads. According to him, the projects are expected to improve connectivity, ease the movement of agricultural produce and link communities with markets, schools and healthcare facilities, thereby stimulating economic activities in urban and rural areas. He added that the revised appropriation provided additional funding for the Adegbola-St. Mathias flyover along Oba Adesida Road in Alagbaka, Akure, while allocations for water and healthcare were also increased to improve access to potable water and strengthen health service delivery. The commissioner said the revised budget had been forwarded to the Ondo State House of Assembly for ratification, adding that reviews of first and second-quarter implementation showed varying levels of performance among ministries, departments and agencies. Meanwhile, the council approved the appointment of Professor Thompson Akinyele Akinifesi as the pioneer Ekingbade of Bolorunduro in Ondo East Local Government Area and approved warrant chiefs to oversee the selection of new traditional rulers in Ikun Akoko, Ute and Ero. The Commissioner for Information, Idowu Ajanaku, said the government would continue to prioritise infrastructure development across the state.