The Kwara State House of Assembly has approved a ₦656.5 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, increasing the proposal submitted by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq by ₦10.5 billion.

The Appropriation Bill was passed on Friday following the consideration and adoption of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation during plenary.

Speaking after the passage, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu, said the upward review was the outcome of a comprehensive scrutiny of the budget estimates to ensure realism, efficiency, and alignment with the state’s development priorities.

He noted that the revised budget reflects the legislature’s resolve to strengthen service delivery and promote sustainable development in line with prevailing economic conditions.

A breakdown of the approved estimates shows that recurrent expenditure rose to over ₦409.6 billion, representing an increase of about ₦10.5 billion from the initial executive proposal.

Capital expenditure was also increased to ₦271 billion from ₦254 billion to boost funding for critical infrastructure and key development projects across the state.

According to the Speaker, the adjustments were aimed at accelerating priority projects and improving the quality of public services in line with the administration’s development agenda.

He further disclosed that debt servicing for the 2026 fiscal year is now pegged at ₦14.2 billion, slightly higher than the earlier projection.

“The House examined the budget in accordance with constitutional provisions and approved a realistic, implementable document designed to deliver maximum value to the people of Kwara State,” Salihu said.

He added that the Assembly would sustain its oversight functions to ensure prudent implementation of the budget and accountability in public expenditure.