Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, presented a budget estimate of ₦605 billion for the 2025 fiscal year.
The Governor, while presenting the Appropriation Bill titled “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo” at the hallowed chamber of the Edo State House of Assembly, revealed that the proposed budget reflects a 25 per cent increase from the 2024 budget.
According to The PUNCH, Okpebholo disclosed that ₦223 billion, or 37 per cent of the total ₦605 billion budget, would be dedicated to recurrent expenditure. The remaining ₦381 billion, which represents 63 per cent, is allocated to capital projects.
“This budget is a product of extensive consultations and embodies my administration’s commitment to achieving its five-point agenda: security, infrastructural development, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education,” he stated.
Okpebholo emphasised the administration’s focus on road infrastructure, with ₦162 billion earmarked for road development across the state.
“We are aware of the critical need to connect communities with motorable roads for rapid economic growth. The construction of the iconic Ramat Park fly-over, the first of its kind in the state, marks a significant step towards transforming Benin City from an ancient city into a modern one,” he said.
Under education, the governor highlighted the need for improvements across all levels, from primary to tertiary.
“We are committed to revisiting the deplorable condition of our tertiary schools. To support Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, N500 million monthly subvention has been earmarked for 2025 to ensure its revival and continuous improvement in other tertiary institutions,” he added.
On security, Okpebholo outlined plans to foster peace and harmony within the state. “My administration has procured 20 patrol vehicles to assist security personnel in their duties, with plans to acquire more in the coming year.
The ban on the Edo State Vigilante has been lifted, reflecting our commitment to community safety,” he stated.
He also addressed healthcare, allocating ₦63.9 billion for the 2025 fiscal year to enhance accessibility and affordability of health services.
“A significant N1.8 billion is dedicated to Health Insurance, reinforcing our commitment to improving healthcare access,” he said.
Okpebholo noted the pivotal role of agriculture in job creation, food production, and revenue generation.
“A sum of N4.5 billion has been proposed for the agricultural sub-sector in the 2025 budget estimate to strengthen farm mechanization and ensure the safety of our farmlands,” he said.
Expressing his gratitude, Okpebholo thanked the Speaker and members of the state House of Assembly for their cooperation and support.
“This budget represents not just a financial plan but a vision for a better Edo State. I also extend my appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and timely interventions in various sectors,” he concluded.
The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, assured the Governor of the house’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the speedy passage of the bill.
“We will collaborate with your Excellency to ensure that the people of Edo enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he said.
