The Executive Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Enugu State, Hon. Sydney Okechukwu Edeh, on Monday, December 29th, 2025, presented a proposed ₦6.96 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year to the Local Government Legislative Council.
Tagged the “Budget of Consolidation,” the proposal represents a significant increase from the ₦4.58 billion approved for 2025, reflecting improved revenue projections, particularly from enhanced federal allocations.
Presenting the budget, Hon. Edeh expressed appreciation to the councillors and key stakeholders for their cooperation, noting that over 90 per cent of the 2025 budget had been successfully implemented. He disclosed that federal allocations to the council exceeded projections by more than 200 per cent, providing the basis for the expanded 2026 estimates.
Revenue Projections for 2026
The proposed revenue sources include:
Opening Balance: ₦10 million (0.14%)
Statutory Allocation: ₦2.9 billion (41.67%)
Excess Crude and Others: ₦1 billion (14.37%)
Value Added Tax (VAT): ₦3 billion (43.10%)
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): ₦50 million (0.72%)
Expenditure Breakdown
Out of the total ₦6.96 billion:
Recurrent Expenditure: ₦3.158 billion (45%)
Capital Expenditure: ₦3.802 billion (55%)
The capital-heavy allocation underscores the council’s focus on infrastructure and social development.
Key Capital Allocations
Major sectors slated for funding include:
Agriculture: ₦794 million
Education: ₦705 million
Youth and Sports Development: ₦705 million
Roads and Bridges: ₦710.745 million
Health: ₦730 million
Water Projects: ₦380 million
General Public Services and Governance: ₦207 million
Additional allocations are provided for power and electrification, poverty alleviation, law and justice, market development, housing, environmental improvement, and ICT.
Hon. Edeh reaffirmed the council’s commitment to aligning with the developmental vision of Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, particularly in replicating state-level initiatives such as smart schools, smart farms, and Type II health centres at the grassroots.
He commended the governor for what he described as a “fatherly collaboration” and an unmatched developmental vision, which he said has continued to drive progress across local communities.
The chairman appealed to the legislative council for the speedy consideration and passage of the budget, thanking members for their continued partnership and support.
The budget presentation was attended by traditional rulers, party leaders, and other stakeholders from across the local government area.
For comparison, the 2025 budget stood at ₦4.58 billion, with ₦2.483 billion allocated to recurrent expenditure, while the 2026 proposal reflects increased emphasis on education, health, and infrastructure development.
©NKANU EAST MEDIA
