Enugu East Launches N18.87 Billion 2026 Budget to Boost Consolidation and Progress

The Enugu East Legislative Council has been presented with a ₦18.87 billion 2026 Budget Proposal by Pastor Beloved Dan Anike, the Chairman of the Enugu East Local Government Area. This proposal outlines an ambitious development agenda centered on infrastructure expansion, economic growth, social welfare, and institutional consolidation.

The proposal, dubbed “The Budget of Consolidation and Economic Advancement,” was introduced in the council chambers, where Obi-Anike characterized the 2026 fiscal year as a pivotal scaling phase for his administration. He clarified that although 2025 was a transitional year for system stabilization and policy alignment, the upcoming year would concentrate on speeding up implementation and strengthening the influence of governance throughout communities.

The chairman claims that the proposed budget reflects the council’s commitment to growth-oriented spending and is purposefully investment-driven, with 78% going toward capital expenditures and 22% going toward recurring expenses. This represents a significant expansion over the 2025 estimates.

Achievements supporting the plan

Pastor Anike highlighted the council’s accomplishments from the previous fiscal year, noting that it made focused interventions in infrastructure, youth development, healthcare, and education. In the field of education, he said that 1,700 students had their WAEC test expenses covered, and secondary and postsecondary scholarship programs had been implemented. He also mentioned the establishment of 15 Smart Green Schools in various wards, which are backed with logistics, fencing, water amenities, and teacher training.

In terms of healthcare, the chairman reported that more than 5,000 citizens were enrolled in the Health Insurance Scheme and that the state government was building 12 Type-2 health centers in addition to three new Primary Health Centers in Neke Uno, Obinagu, and Nkpologwu. He said that Enugu East received praise from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Grand Champion Award 2025 from the Enugu State Universal Health Coverage Agency for these accomplishments.

More than 3,000 young people benefited from vocational and technical training in ICT, mechanical trades, aviation middle-level skills, and emerging technologies through cooperation with pertinent institutions. Youth development also played a significant role. According to him, the council plans to formally introduce the One-Youth-One-Skill Initiative in January 2026.

Regarding infrastructure, Obi-Anike highlighted drainage projects, culverts, a mini-bridge, and the building and renovation of roughly 10.4 kilometers of roads in Emene, Ugwomu, Ifo/Harmony Bypass, Eziama, and Ibagwa. Additionally, he declared the opening of new access roads that connect the Ako–Ugwuomu farm estate corridor (6km) and Onyohu–Awhum (10km). Fifteen transformers were installed and turned on in various villages to improve the power supply.

Budgetary framework and sectoral priorities

According to the chairman’s breakdown of the 2026 projections, the economic sector received the greatest allocation of ₦7.52 billion (38.36%), which was intended for housing, road construction, agriculture, market development, rural and urban electricity, and tourism.

The social sector received ₦4.45 billion, or 24.25 percent, to assist social protection, education, healthcare, sports development, youth empowerment, and gender inclusion. While ₦810 million (4.5%) was designated for law, justice, and security to improve surveillance, neighborhood watch operations, and community safety, ₦2.05 billion (10.87%) was given to the administrative sector to promote governance efficiency, digital transformation, and staff capacity.

The creation of women’s empowerment cooperatives in every ward, interest-free revolving loans for farmers and traders, bursary payments for roughly 1,000 undergraduates, full sponsorship of at least 100 students in critical professions like medicine, expanded healthcare coverage aimed at 10,000 enrollees, completion of ongoing road projects, development of contemporary markets, and full operation of the Enugu East Investment Company are just a few of the flagship programs scheduled for 2026.

Stakeholders praise the direction of the budget

In response to the presentation, Rt Hon. Obumneme Obed Eke, the Leader of the Enugu East Legislative Council, praised the chairman for what he called a broad-based budget that encompasses important sectors propelling the local economy. He promised that the council would give the idea expedited consideration and acknowledged the friendly relationship between the legislative and the executive branch, attributing it to transparent governance.

Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu of Ibagwa Nike, the Chairman of the Enugu East Traditional Rulers Council, also spoke. He stated that the current administration has clearly deviated from previous traditions by managing resources wisely. He promised that traditional leaders will continue to back the council’s development agenda.

Similar to this, Rev. Dr. Christian Onyeka Onyia, the Anglican Bishop of the Nike Diocese, noted that the budget had good execution prospects and did not rely on borrowing. “The people will rejoice when the righteous are in authority,” he added, expressing faith that Enugu East residents would continue to see improvement.

Reiterating that the 2026 fiscal plan is intended to provide jobs rather than unemployment, infrastructure rather than deterioration, healthcare rather than neglect, and opportunity rather than exclusion throughout Enugu East Local Government Area, Anike urged the legislature to approve the budget in the best interests of the people as a whole.