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Uzodimma signs N1.4tr. 2026 Appropriation Bill into law
L-R: Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Ijeoma Agugua, Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Amara Iwuanyanwu and the Clerk of the House, Barr. Chinaelo Emeghara, when Governor Uzodimma signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law at the Government House Annex, Eziachi Umuna Orlu… Wednesday.
The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has signed the State’s 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, officially unveiling it as the “Budget of Economic Breakthrough.”
Governor Uzodimma had presented the Budget proposal before the House of Assembly on December 22, 2025.
The signing ceremony took place Wednesday at the Imo State Government House Annex in Eziachi, Orlu on December 31, 2025.
The Governor described the development as a “reflection of effective democratic governance,” praising the collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.
He commended members of the Imo State House of Assembly for what he described as their “diligence and swift handling of matters of public importance.”
Governor Uzodimma stated that the ₦1.4 trillion budget is designed to stimulate economic growth and improve the standard of living of Imo residents.
He stressed the need for prudence and revenue generation to ensure effective implementation of the budget.
According to him, the administration remains committed to completing ongoing infrastructure projects across Imo State, particularly road construction and public facilities, before the end of his tenure.
He noted that infrastructure development is driven by public utility rather than ownership, emphasising inclusiveness in governance.
The Governor also acknowledged the fiscal reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which he said have created opportunities for States to enhance revenue generation.
He assured the people of Imo State of his continued dedication to responsible governance and service delivery in the coming year.
Highlighting the importance of visible impact, Governor Uzodimma said improvements in electricity supply, healthcare services, and other social amenities would reinforce public confidence in government spending, adding that “citizen satisfaction remains a key measure of success for the administration.”
He emphasised that the 2026 budget is expected to support small and medium-scale enterprises, attract local and foreign investment, and strengthen revenue-generating agencies, all with the aim of boosting economic development.
On security, the Governor expressed optimism that peace is incrementally returned to Imo State, noting that “improved stability in the State has created a more conducive environment for business and investment.”
Earlier, the Imo State House of Assembly formally transmitted the 2026 budget estimates to the Governor following legislative review and approval.
The Clerk of the House, Barr. Chinelo Emeghara, confirmed that the budget was returned after undergoing due legislative scrutiny to ensure alignment with the State’s development priorities.
She was emphatic that Section 100 Sub Section 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended) makes it mandatory for the Governor to assent the passed appropriation bill sent to him by the legislature into law, to make the document implementable.
Leading a delegation of lawmakers, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu who stood in for the Speaker, Rt Hon. Chike Olemgbe, said the Assembly carefully examined the budget to ensure it addresses key sectors including education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, digital development, and rural growth.
He described the budget as a strategic framework aimed at driving economic and social progress in Imo State. The Deputy Speaker also emphasised that the Assembly remains committed to transparency, accountability, and effective oversight throughout the 2026 fiscal year.
The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Ijeoma Agugua, the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Head of Service, Mrs. Chikodi Emenalo, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Irene Chima, the Accountant General, Dr. Linus Duru, and the Managing Director of Imo Revenue Service, Mr. Justice Okoye.
Others include the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Anselem Anyanwu, the Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy of the State, Dr. Chuck Chuckmeka, the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu, among others.
