The Ondo State Government has increased the 2026 budget from N524.411 billion to N769.384 billion, with the additional funds targeted at accelerating road construction and other critical infrastructure across the state.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Olaolu Akindolire, who disclosed this at the State Executive Council meeting, explained that the budget review was driven by the administration’s determination to intensify infrastructure development.
According to him, the revised appropriation followed a mid-year assessment of the 2026 budget, which was signed into law by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on December 29, 2025, and came into effect on January 1, 2026.
He said the revised budget, which has been forwarded to the Ondo State House of Assembly for ratification, was necessary to realign spending priorities, bridge funding gaps and improve implementation during the remaining months of the year.
Akindolire explained that the first- and second-quarter budget implementation reviews revealed varying levels of performance among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), with some recording increased financial demands and nearing their approved provisions, while others experienced slower utilisation due to implementation challenges.
He, however, said the government had resolved to deploy additional resources to areas requiring urgent intervention, particularly infrastructure.
As part of the renewed infrastructure drive, Governor Aiyedatiwa has directed that at least five kilometres of roads be constructed in each of the state’s 18 local government areas before the end of 2026, translating to a minimum of 90 kilometres of new roads across the state.
The commissioner said the road projects were designed to improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, connect communities to markets, schools and healthcare facilities, and stimulate economic activities across both urban and rural areas.
He added that the revised budget also made additional provisions for the ongoing Adegbola-St Matthias flyover project along the Oba Adesida Road corridor in Alagbaka, Akure, describing it as part of the administration’s efforts to address critical transportation infrastructure.
‘Water and healthcare have also received additional funding, with anticipated development financing expected to support projects aimed at improving access to reliable potable water, while the healthcare allocation is expected to strengthen service delivery and respond to emerging needs,’ Akindolire stated.
The council also approved the appointment of Prof. Thompson Akinyele Akinifesi as the pioneer Ekingbade of Bolorunduro in Ondo East Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the appointment would usher in a new phase of development in the community, which serves as the headquarters of Bolorunduro Local Government.
The council equally approved the appointment of warrant chiefs to oversee the processes for selecting new traditional rulers in Ikun Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area, Ute in Ose Local Government Area and Ero in Ifedore Local Government Area.
The appointments are expected to facilitate the emergence of the new Olokun of Ikun Akoko, Olute of Ute and Ekiri of Ero.
Takuro assured that the government would continue to ensure a smooth and credible process for the installation of traditional rulers in communities ready to select new obas, without undue interference.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, reiterated the council’s position, stressing that the Aiyedatiwa administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure as a major component of its development agenda.