N18.87 Billion 2026 Budget Unveiled by Enugu East Chairman for Development and Growth

Pastor Beloved Dan Anike, the Chairman of the Enugu East Local Government Area, has presented the Enugu East Legislative Council with a ₦18.87 billion 2026 Budget Proposal that outlines an ambitious development agenda centered on social welfare, economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and institutional consolidation.

The proposal, dubbed “The Budget of Consolidation and Economic Advancement,” was introduced in the council chambers. Obi-Anike characterized the fiscal year 2026 as a pivotal scaling phase for his administration. He clarified that although 2025 was a transitional year for system stabilization and policy alignment, the upcoming year would concentrate on speeding up delivery and expanding the influence of governance throughout communities.

The chairman claims that the proposed budget, which reflects the council’s commitment to growth-oriented spending, is a major increase over the 2025 estimates and is purposefully investment-driven, with 78% going toward capital expenditures and 22% going toward recurrent expenditures.

Successes supporting the proposal

Pastor Anike highlighted the council’s accomplishments from the previous fiscal year, stating that it made focused interventions in the areas of infrastructure, youth development, healthcare, and education. In the field of education, he said that 1,700 students’ WAEC test expenses were covered, and secondary and postsecondary scholarship programs were implemented. He also mentioned the establishment of 15 Smart Green Schools in various wards, which were aided by logistics, fencing, water amenities, and teacher training.

In terms of healthcare, the chairman stated that more than 5,000 locals were enrolled in the Health Insurance Scheme and that the state government was building 12 Type-2 health centers in addition to three new Primary Health Centers in Neke Uno, Obinagu, and Nkpologwu. He continued by saying that Enugu East received praise from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Enugu State Universal Health Coverage Agency’s Grand Champion Award 2025 for their efforts.

More than 3,000 young people benefited from vocational and technical training in ICT, mechanical trades, aviation middle-level skills, and emerging technologies through cooperation with pertinent institutions, making youth development another major focus. He stated that the One-Youth-One-Skill Initiative will be publicly introduced by the council in January 2026.

Obi-Anike mentioned drainage projects, culverts, a mini-bridge, and the building and renovation of roughly 10.4 kilometers of roads in Emene, Ugwomu, Ifo/Harmony Bypass, Eziama, and Ibagwa. Additionally, he declared the opening of new access roads connecting the Ako–Ugwuomu farm estate corridor (6km) and Onyohu–Awhum (10km). Fifteen transformers were installed and energized among multiple towns to improve the power supply.

Sectoral priority and budgetary structure

According to the chairman’s breakdown of the 2026 projections, the economic sector received the greatest allocation of ₦7.52 billion (38.36%), which was intended for housing, tourism, road construction, agriculture, market development, and rural and urban electricity.

A total of ₦4.45 billion (24.25%) was allotted to the social sector to assist social protection, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, sports development, and gender inclusion. While ₦810 million (4.5%) was designated for law, justice, and security to increase surveillance, neighborhood watch operations, and community safety, the administrative sector received ₦2.05 billion (10.87%) to promote governance efficiency, digital transformation, and staff capacity.

The creation of women’s empowerment cooperatives in every ward, interest-free revolving loans for farmers and traders, bursaries for roughly 1,000 undergraduates, full sponsorship of at least 100 students in critical professions like medicine, expanded healthcare coverage aimed at 10,000 enrollees, completion of ongoing road projects, development of contemporary markets, and full operation of the Enugu East Investment Company are some of the flagship programs scheduled for 2026.

Stakeholders applaud the budget’s direction

In response to the presentation, Rt Hon. Obumneme Obed Eke, the Leader of the Enugu East Legislative Council, praised the chairman for what he called a comprehensive budget that encompasses important industries propelling the local economy. He promised that the council would give the idea expedited consideration and acknowledged the friendly relationship between the executive and the legislature, attributing it to transparent governance.

Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu of Ibagwa Nike, the chairman of the Enugu East Traditional Rulers Council, also spoke. He stated that the current administration has shown a distinct break from previous traditions by managing resources wisely. He promised that traditional leaders will continue to support the council’s development agenda.

Similarly, Rev. Dr. Christian Onyeka Onyia, the Anglican Bishop of the Nike Diocese, noted that the budget had good execution prospects and did not rely on borrowing. “The people will rejoice when the righteous are in authority,” he added, expressing hope that Enugu East inhabitants would continue to see advancements.

Reiterating that the 2026 fiscal plan is intended to provide jobs instead of unemployment, infrastructure instead of deterioration, healthcare instead of neglect, and opportunity instead of exclusion throughout Enugu East Local Government Area, Anike urged the legislature to approve the budget in the best interests of the people.