Stakeholders React to Anambra Govt’s 2026 Fiscal Appropriation Bill

By Uche Eke

Some stakeholders have reacted to the 2026 appropriation bill presentation by Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo before the state House of Assembly.

Governor Soludo, it will be recalled, presented the fiscal appropriation bill code-named “Budget of Changing Gear 3.0: Solution Continues” , which had swiftly passed through first reading at the floor of the house.

Speaking with our correspondent, Mrs Ugochi Ehiahuruike, a civil society advocate, observed that increases in the key sectors like health, education and other areas were good but will be perfect when the needed releases were made in the actual.

Ehieahuruike noted her Organization, Social and Integral Development Centre in partnership with the International Budget Partnership will want more attention, releases and focus in the area of health to ensure the sustainability of the free antenatal and delivery policy already introduced by the Governor.

According to her, with the prudent management of resources which the Governor is known for, the budget no doubt would be realistic.

Hon. Obinna Emeneka, a former lawmaker who represented Anambra East Constituency, observed that the manifesto of the present administration reflected on the 2026 budget making it people- oriented.

According to him, the recurrent expenditure being less than the capital expenditure shows that the Government is focused on consolidating the existing projects and starting new ones .

Mr Emeneka said the 2026 budget was not a jamboree document and expressed the confidence that the law makers will give it accelerated attention.

Also reacting, the Chairman House Committee on Finance and Appropriation and member representing Anaocha Constituency 2, Mr Ejike Okechukwu , the budget proposal when passed will empower the Governor to continue with the infrastructural development of the state.

Mr Okechukwu, however, observed that the budget allocation for the Legislative arm dropped while the provisions for the Executive and Judicial arms received slight increases.

The Lawmaker therefore called on all MDAs to get their documents ready for Bilateral discussions on the 2026 fiscal bill with the various Committees of the House of Assembly.

Earlier in a speech, the Speaker of the House , Doctor Somtochukwu Udeze said the law makers were pleased to note the impressive implementation level of the 2025 budget with the measurable outcomes across sectors including the ongoing road projects to the completion of new general hospitals, and to the expansion of SMART schools among others.

The Speaker emphasized that the 2026 appropriation as presented carries particular significance as it would set the tone for the second tenure of the Governor and would largely determine the legacy of the Soludo administration. Some of the respondents, however, remarked that the budget must be bold, strategic, and implementable.