The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday presented a budget estimate of ₦605 billion for the 2025 fiscal year.
Governor Okpebholo, who presented the Appropriation Bill in the hallowed chamber of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), stated that it represents a 25% increase from the 2024 budget.
According to Okpebholo, the 2025 budget is tagged “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo.”
He explained that 37% of the budget, amounting to ₦223 billion, is allocated to recurrent expenditure, while the remaining ₦381 billion, representing 63%, is earmarked for capital projects.
The Governor emphasized that the proposed bill is the result of extensive consultations and is designed to ensure accountability and transparency in governance for effective service delivery to the people of Edo State.
“With gratitude to God and a great sense of responsibility, I stand before the Honourable Members in this hallowed chamber to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill, which contains the revenue and expenditure proposals for the 2025 fiscal year.
“This proposed bill reflects wide consultations and aims to ensure accountability and transparency in governance for effective service delivery to the people of Edo State.
“The 2025 proposed budget is designed to achieve the goals of my five-point agenda, which include security, infrastructural development, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education.
“We have also aligned this budget with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, condensing its programs into the State Development Plan, which will guide my administration in 2025.
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“Mr. Speaker, the proposed budget size for the 2025 fiscal year is ₦605 billion, a 25% increase from the 2024 budget. Of this, ₦223 billion (37%) is allocated to recurrent expenditure, while ₦381 billion (63%) is designated for capital projects,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized road infrastructure as a priority for his administration, announcing a budget of ₦162 billion for road development across the state.
“We recognize the importance of connecting communities with motorable roads to drive rapid economic growth. Traveling between senatorial districts and communities has become increasingly challenging in recent years.
“Our administration aims to address this issue and enhance Edo State’s road network, transforming it into a gateway to other parts of the country. Additionally, we are committed to modernizing Benin City, the state capital, and transitioning it from an ancient city to a modern metropolis.
“In this regard, I recently flagged off the construction of the iconic Ramat Park Flyover, the first of its kind in the state.”
Regarding education, the Governor pledged to improve the deplorable condition of schools at all levels, from primary to tertiary.
“We are all witnesses to the dire state of our tertiary institutions over the past eight years. To address this, my administration will provide a ₦500 million monthly subvention to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, for its revival.
“We have also allocated ₦48 billion in the 2025 budget to enhance the administration and development of other tertiary institutions.”
In the areas of security and community development, the Governor highlighted ongoing efforts to promote peace and harmony across the state.
“We are committed to resolving hostilities between communities. Recently, my administration purchased 20 patrol vehicles to support security personnel, with plans to acquire more in the coming year. Furthermore, we have lifted the ban on the activities of the Edo State Vigilante.”
For healthcare, ₦63.9 billion has been allocated for 2025, with plans to enhance accessibility and affordability.
“We are reviewing the Health Sector Initiatives to increase access to quality healthcare. A total of ₦1.8 billion has been set aside for health insurance to achieve this goal.”
On agriculture, Governor Okpebholo reiterated its role in food production, revenue generation, and job creation.
“Our administration is focused on strengthening the agricultural sector, particularly through farm mechanization and ensuring the security of our farmers. To support this, ₦4.5 billion has been allocated to the agricultural sub-sector in the 2025 budget.”
The Governor thanked the Speaker and Honourable Members of the State House of Assembly for their cooperation and pledged continued collaboration to uplift the socio-economic conditions of Edo State residents.
“Let me once again express my gratitude to this Honourable House for its unwavering support since the inception of this administration.
“I also extend my sincere appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and timely interventions in areas such as road construction, education, and workers’ welfare.”
The Speaker of EDHA, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, thanked the Governor for the presentation and assured him of the Assembly’s commitment to the budget’s swift passage.
“I urge all MDAs and Ministries to provide the necessary documents to ensure the speedy passage of the budget. Your Excellency, we will work with you to ensure the people of Edo State enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he said.
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