Soludo unveils ambitious N758bn 2026 b, showcases economic vision, achievements

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has presented a landmark N757.88 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year, a document analysts describe as a testament to his international economic expertise and ambitious development agenda.

The budget, titled “Changing Gears 3.0: Solution Continues,” is designed to conclude his first term on a high note and set the pace for an even more expansive second term.

The draft budget was formally presented to the Anambra State House of Assembly during what the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, called an “epochal event” that highlights Soludo’s credentials as a world-class economist committed to transforming Anambra into a globally competitive state.

Fresh from his landslide re-election victory—winning all 21 Local Government Areas with 73 percent of the vote—Soludo reiterated his call for unity and collective purpose, stating:

“Ours is one state, one people, with one agenda. Let us unite and build Anambra together.”

Mefor highlighted that the 2026 budget rests on the strong foundation of the governor’s first-term achievements, which include: Construction of over 900km of roads, with 600km already asphalted; Execution of eight bridges, including the ongoing Ekwulobia flyover/bus terminal/shopping mall; Dualisation of over 100km of federal and state roads; Completion of the Aroma Link Bridge in Awka; Construction of the new Government House and Governor’s Lodge—ending a 34-year gap; Delivery of the flagship Solution Fun City, the largest leisure park in West Africa; Recruitment of 8,115 teachers from 18 states strictly on merit; Free antenatal and delivery services, including 594 free cesarean sections; Modernisation of 326 Primary Health Centres and a new trauma centre at COOU Teaching Hospital

These, according to Mefor, illustrate Soludo’s deliberate and structured approach to building a “liveable and prosperous homeland.”

The proposed 2026 budget reflects significant expansion over the previous year: N757.88 billion total budget, a 24.1% increase from 2025’s N607 billion; N595.3 billion for capital expenditure, representing 79% of the total budget: N162.6 billion for recurrent expenditure, or 21% of the total; N225.7 billion deficit, expected to be financed through hybrid options such as privatisation proceeds, improved IGR, and limited concessionary borrowing

Soludo noted that despite working with deficits in previous years, his administration has not borrowed a kobo to fund them and may maintain this fiscal discipline in 2026 depending on execution pace.

Overall, 70% of the budget is dedicated to security, infrastructure, and human capital development—core components of the Solution Agenda.

Soludo acknowledged that Internally Generated Revenue remains the state’s weakest point. To fix this, he plans a technology-driven overhaul of the revenue system focused on plugging leakages, widening the tax net, and firm but fair enforcement.

Mefor stated that the state’s current trajectory proves that Anambra is on a path of steady, transformative growth. The 2026 budget, he added, will further deepen gains across all pillars of the Soludo Manifesto.

He described Soludo’s broader ambition—transforming Anambra into an African version of Dubai, Taiwan, and Silicon Valley (ADTS)—as no longer just an aspiration but a rapidly unfolding reality.

The Commissioner concluded that the popular political saying in Anambra, “Follow who knows the road,” reflects the people’s confidence in Soludo’s proven expertise and leadership.