By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has officially signed the state’s 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, approving a total budget size of N766 billion for the coming fiscal year.
The signing, which took place on Monday at the Light House in Awka, followed the conclusion of legislative work on the budget by the Anambra State House of Assembly, which slightly adjusted the initial proposal of N757 billion submitted by the Executive.
The governor was joined at the signing ceremony by the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; the Majority Leader, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme; Hon. Ejike Okechukwu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Sylva Chika Ifemeje; the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, among other top government officials.
Governor Soludo at the occasion, declared that the 2026 budget was deliberately crafted as a practical working document aimed at sustaining the momentum of development already recorded in the state, while responding more directly to the needs of Ndi Anambra.
According to him, the budget prioritizes and places strong emphasis on economic growth, accelerated infrastructure delivery and improved social welfare; even as he further described it as a people-focused plan rather than a mere compilation of figures.
“This budget is more than numbers; it is a strategic plan crafted to deliver on our administration’s promises. We have focused on what truly matters to the people, ensuring that resources are allocated to meet the critical needs in our communities,” he stated, while also noting that careful consideration was given to sectors that directly affect livelihoods and long-term prosperity.
Governor Soludo also commended members of the Eighth Anambra State House of Assembly for what he described as a productive and cooperative legislative process, adding that their scrutiny and engagement improved the final outcome of the budget. He equally reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.
Giving a brief overview on the budget, the Governor explained that while the Executive submitted a proposal of N757 billion, the lawmakers, after reviews and deliberations, raised it marginally to N766 billion, which he said reflects shared responsibility and partnership in governance.
Aside the budget, Governor Soludo, the same day, also signed into law three other bills passed by the House. They include the Anambra Mission School of Nursing and Midwifery (Amendment No. 3) Law, 2025; the Tax Clearance Certificate Law, 2025; and the Anambra State Correctional Service Law, 2025.
Soludo reiterated that the passage and signing of the laws demonstrate his administration’s resolve to strengthen institutions, entrench transparency and create an enabling environment for effective service delivery across the state.
It would be recalled that Governor Soludo had, on November 25, presented the 2026 budget proposal to the House, tagging it “Changing Gears 3.0: Solution Continues.”
At the presentation, the governor disclosed that the budget framework prioritises capital development, with N595.3 billion earmarked for capital expenditure, representing about 79 per cent of the total budget size.
He also explained that the budget carries a projected deficit of N225.7 billion, which the state plans to finance through a mix of public-private partnerships, improved internally generated revenue, concessions and support from financial institutions.
Governor Soludo re-assured that Anambra would continue to uphold responsible fiscal management, stressing that the state would not borrow for consumption and that every kobo spent would be targeted at delivering tangible value to the people.
