MINISTRY of FINANCE KICKS OFF 2026 TECHNICAL BUDGET DEFENSE* _Asiwaju calls for teamwork, diligence, and realistic budgeting to sustain Gov. Ododo’s vision for inclusive growth_

The Kogi State Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning has commenced the 2026 Technical Budget Defense as part of the ongoing process toward the formulation of the State’s 2026 Appropriation Bill.

Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner, Hon. Asiwaju Idris, the Permanent Secretary, Mallam Sani Haruna, welcomed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to the exercise.

He noted that while the Commissioner would have loved to be physically present, he was unavoidably absent due to field engagements, emphasizing that his constant efforts to mobilize resources for the State have ensured prompt salary payments and the execution of key developmental projects.

Delivering the Commissioner’s message, Mallam Sani stressed that budgeting is a serious business, describing it as the main instrument through which His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration delivers tangible benefits to the people. He commended the Governor’s vision and commitment to economic rejuvenation through projects such as the ongoing Industrial Park initiative, designed to make Kogi State an economic hub that attracts investment, generates employment, and enhances internally generated revenue (IGR).

He also noted the administration’s active engagement with the Federal Government and other partners toward the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, expressing optimism that its revitalization would trigger massive industrial growth, job creation, and downstream development.

He urged all MDAs to take the budget defense seriously, adhere strictly to the budget ceilings, and ensure that their proposals reflect realistic priorities and broad stakeholder consultations. “Budget preparation is not the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Finance or the Budget Department,” Hon. Idris stated. “It is a collective process that must engage all sectors of agriculture, health, education, environment, and civil society to produce a budget that truly serves the people of Kogi State.”

The Commissioner further stressed that the credibility of the State’s budget process depends on the diligence of civil servants, urging them to uphold Governor Ododo’s directive to “ensure due process” in all approvals and implementation stages. “What we do as civil servants helps the government deliver the benefits our people need. We must translate the Governor’s vision into action,” he added.

Earlier, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Budget, Mrs. Sarah Ocheja, formally declared the session open. She commended the administration for its commitment to transparent and realistic budgeting and urged all MDAs to provide their full cooperation throughout the exercise.

The Technical Budget Defense continues with presentations from MDAs on their respective 2026 budget proposals.

Princess Funsho Sumanu
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning.