Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has presented a budget estimate of N605 billion for the 2025 fiscal year to the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA). The proposed budget, tagged “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo,” represented a 25% increase from the 2024 fiscal year.
Speaking at the presentation on Tuesday, Governor Okpebholo disclosed that 37% (N223 billion) of the budget is allocated to recurrent expenditure, while 63% (N381 billion) is dedicated to capital projects.
The Governor emphasized the administration’s commitment to achieving its five-point agenda: security, infrastructural development, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education.
Key highlights of the proposed budget include:
Infrastructure: N162 billion allocated for road development, including the construction of the Ramat Park Fly-over, aimed at transforming Edo’s road network and modernizing Benin City.
Education: N48 billion dedicated to reviving the education sector, with N500 million monthly subvention for Ambrose Alli University and improvements across all levels of schooling.
Healthcare: N63.9 billion set aside to enhance accessibility and affordability, including N1.8 billion for health insurance initiatives.
Agriculture: N4.5 billion proposed for farm mechanization and farmer security to boost food production and economic growth.
Security: Recent purchase of 20 patrol vehicles with plans for more in 2025, alongside renewed efforts to resolve inter-community hostilities and strengthen local security initiatives.
Governor Okpebholo assured citizens that the budget reflects broad consultations and prioritizes transparency, accountability, and responsive governance.
Speaker of EDHA,Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku,commended the Governor for his vision and pledged the Assembly’s cooperation to ensure the budget’s swift passage.
The Governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support in areas such as road construction, education, and workers’ welfare, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to uplifting the socio-economic conditions of Edo State.
