Ondo Assembly Begins 2026 Budget Defence, Emphasizes Revenue Generation
By Elizabeth Oyeniwa
The Ondo State House of Assembly on Monday commenced a five-day defence of the 2026 Appropriation Bill with a call on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to work diligently toward achieving the state’s economic goals for the new fiscal year.
Declaring the exercise open at the Assembly’s mini chambers in Akure, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, said government’s ambition to reposition the state’s economy would only be realised if all MDAs showed full commitment to the targets set before them.
He noted that the budget defence process remained a vital legislative exercise aimed at clarifying grey areas and ensuring that every proposal aligns with the needs of the people.
“The exercise is a normal practice to shed light on grey areas. I urge officials of ministries, departments and agencies to fully cooperate with the supervisory committees for a robust and thorough budget within the stipulated time.”
Oladiji assured residents that the Assembly would carefully scrutinise the budget to ensure that it meets the aspirations of the people.
Heads of MDAs appeared before the Assembly to defend their 2026 spending proposals, including the Ministry of Information, Owena Press Limited (publishers of The Hope titles), Ministry of Infrastructure,Lands and Housing, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, among others.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had earlier presented a total budget proposal of ₦492,795,667,939 for the 2026 fiscal year.
In his welcome address, the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, described the appropriation defence as a constitutional obligation critical to the functioning of government.
He explained that the Assembly revised the 2025 budget downward due to international benchmark fluctuations and the state’s inability to secure anticipated counterpart funds from development partners.
“We had to reduce the budget to make it more realistic. But I assure you that no MDA will suffer as a result. We have taken care of the interests of all MDAs, with the welfare of our people as the top priority.”
Ogunmolasuyi stressed the need for revenue-generating MDAs to intensify efforts toward meeting independent revenue targets, warning that demands for increased budgetary allocations would remain unattainable if agencies failed to boost their internally generated revenue.
“It is essential for all MDAs to ensure that all hands are on deck to generate adequate funds.We must block leakages and prioritize the state’s revenue above individual interests.”
He urged MDAs, corporations and stakeholders to make meaningful contributions to achieving a visionary and workable budget that reflects the state’s development aspirations.
The chairman reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to upholding constitutional provisions throughout the defence process, noting that the legislature remains focused on steering the state toward sustainable socio-economic growth.
The 5-day defence exercise continues with MDAs taking turns to defend their 2026 proposals before the committees.
COMMENTS