In a decisive move to accelerate the state’s ambitious transformation agenda, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has formally signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.62 trillion into law. Dubbed the “Budget of Renewed Momentum,” this fiscal blueprint signals a significant scaling up of the administration’s development plans, aiming to build upon the foundational changes initiated since 2023.
The signing ceremony, held at the Government House Executive Chamber in Enugu, was more than a procedural event; it was a declaration of intent. Governor Mbah used the occasion to restate a core governance philosophy centered on inclusivity, accountability, transparency, and institutional strength. This framework is designed to ensure that every kobo spent is traceable and delivers tangible value to the citizens of Enugu State.
An Ambitious Revenue Engine: From N30bn to N870bn
The most striking aspect of the 2026 budget is its heavy reliance on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), projected at a staggering N870 billion. To appreciate this ambition, one must examine the administration’s recent fiscal trajectory. In 2023, the state’s IGR languished below N30 billion. Through aggressive reforms, digitization of collections, and the expansion of the tax net, this figure skyrocketed to over N180 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit N400 billion by the end of 2025.
Governor Mbah framed this not just as a target, but as a strategic necessity. “If you look at the ratio to our expected Federal Allocation, it would be barely 27 to 28 per cent,” he explained. This implies a profound shift: Enugu State is on a path to potentially fund its governance and capital projects almost entirely from its own economic activities, relegating Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds to a savings buffer for future generations or emergencies.
The Daily Grind: Translating Vision into Daily Action
The governor provided a sobering breakdown of what the N870 billion IGR target means in practical terms: over N2.5 billion must be generated every single day in 2026. This daunting figure underscores why Mbah declared a suspension of the traditional yuletide holiday for his appointees, emphasizing that “we do not have the luxury of wasting even one day.” This call to action highlights the intense pressure and discipline required to convert economic potential into actual revenue.
Legislative Collaboration and Projected Outcomes
Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr. Uchenna Ugwu, credited the seamless passage of the budget to the executive’s early involvement of the legislature in the formation process, ensuring it remained people-centric. He provided a glimpse into the tangible projects citizens can expect in 2026, which include:
- Expansion of road infrastructure networks.
- Advancement of the 135.5 km Enugu City Rail Project.
- Procurement of 14 additional aircraft for the state’s airline venture.
- Development of more modern transport terminals.
- Completion of the 260 Smart Green Farm Estates.
- Continued rollout of Smart Secondary Schools.
These projects are not isolated efforts but interconnected components of a larger strategy to position Enugu as a premier investment, logistics, and agricultural hub in South-East Nigeria. The “Budget of Renewed Momentum” is, therefore, a high-stakes financial plan that ties the state’s fiscal independence to the aggressive realization of its physical and human capital development goals. Its success or failure will hinge on the administration’s ability to maintain its revenue reform momentum while ensuring capital projects are delivered efficiently and transparently.
