The Edo State Ministry of Works has assured residents that the state will witness a significant increase in infrastructural development in 2026, following the presentation of the ₦939.85 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Edo State House of Assembly by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

In a statement issued by the ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Olotu Henrietta, the Ministry said the proposed budget reflects the government’s clear commitment to infrastructure development, noting that a substantial allocation to the Ministry of Works would accelerate road construction, rehabilitation and other critical projects across the state.

Governor Okpebholo had earlier presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill, tagged the “Budget of Hope and Growth,” to the House of Assembly presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku. The budget proposes ₦637 billion, representing 68 per cent, for capital expenditure, and ₦302 billion, or 32 per cent, for recurrent expenditure.

Funding for the budget is expected from multiple sources, including ₦160 billion in Internally Generated Revenue, ₦480 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, ₦153 billion from capital receipts and grants, ₦146 billion through Public-Private Partnerships, and other revenue streams.

Sectoral allocations show that ₦614.2 billion is earmarked for the economic sector, ₦148.9 billion for the social sector, ₦157.7 billion for the administration sector, and ₦19 billion for the justice sector, alongside provisions for regional development and support to local government councils.

The Governor explained that the budget is anchored on his administration’s SHINE Agenda, which prioritises Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and Education, with a focus on inclusive and people-centred development.

He disclosed that 28 new road projects spanning about 255 kilometres have already been awarded across the state, including two flyover projects at Ramat Park and Sapele Road by Adesuwa Junction in Benin City. According to him, the flyovers will be the first in the history of Edo State, while several community roads are also under construction to improve connectivity.

The Ministry of Works noted that a significant portion of the 2026 budget is dedicated to road infrastructure, enabling the government to embark on new projects, complete ongoing ones and rehabilitate existing roads that have suffered years of neglect. The rehabilitation works are expected to include resurfacing, patching and safety enhancements to ensure durability and reduce accidents.

The budget also places strong emphasis on rural road development to improve access to hinterland communities, boost economic activities and enhance the quality of life for residents. Plans for the construction of new roads and the dualisation of major routes are expected to ease traffic congestion, improve movement of goods and people, and stimulate economic growth.

The government further expressed willingness to collaborate with development partners to attract funding and technical expertise for road projects, while stressing the need for contractors to adhere strictly to specifications and timelines.

The Ministry added that a robust monitoring and evaluation framework would be deployed to track project implementation, while community engagement along project corridors would be prioritised to ensure local benefits and sustainability.

With effective implementation, the government said the 2026 budget will significantly transform Edo State’s road network, create jobs, improve safety and strengthen the state’s economy.