Governor Adeleke Signs ₦723.4 Billion 2026 Budget into Law, Vows Full Implementation
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State on Monday signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, officially enacting a ₦723.454 billion fiscal plan dubbed the “Budget of Economic Transformation”. The signing ceremony at the Government House in Osogbo marks a critical milestone as the state enters the final year of the governor’s first term, coinciding with preparations for the 2026 gubernatorial elections.
Flanked by Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, House Speaker Adewale Egbedun, Chief of Staff Hon. Kazeem Akinleye, Head of Service Elder Ayanleye Aina, and members of the State Executive Council, Adeleke described the budget as a tool to consolidate past gains and expand service delivery in alignment with his administration’s five-point agenda. “This occasion launches us into the final year of our first term with expanded ambitions to complete ongoing projects and launch new initiatives for the good of our people,” he said during the event.
The governor pledged strict adherence to execution timelines by ministries and agencies, emphasising fiscal prudence, citizens’ welfare, and project completion. “We promise Osun people full implementation of the new appropriation act. Ministries and agencies must follow established timelines to ensure the completion of ongoing projects and programmes,” Adeleke stated. He characterised 2026 as a “dual year” of governance and elections, assuring that public service would not suffer amid political activities. “We must multitask and ensure governance does not suffer even in an election year,” he added.
The final budget figure represents an upward revision from the ₦705.794 billion proposal Adeleke presented to the Osun State House of Assembly on November 12, 2025. After weeks of scrutiny by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, including debates and input from ministries, departments, and agencies, lawmakers passed the enhanced version on December 24, 2025.
Adeleke highlighted key achievements from the past three years’ budgets, including completion of abandoned projects, clearance of billions in salary and pension backlogs, payment of promotion arrears, and investments in agriculture, health, education, roads, flyover bridges, and a new stadium in Osogbo. He noted improvements in the ease of doing business through tax harmonisation, faster Certificate of Occupancy issuance, and attraction of international investments. “Osun is today attracting multiple business delegations from all over the world,” the governor said, crediting reforms that halted capital flight and prioritised local economic benefits.
The budget prioritises sustainable development across critical sectors, building on recent accolades such as Osun ranking first in Southwest primary healthcare access for 2024 and 2025. Adeleke expressed gratitude to residents for their support and prayers, describing public acclaim as validation of his administration’s performance.
