RipplesMetric: How Nigerian states are proposing to spend in 2026 (2)

Nigerian states are gradually laying out their 2026 spending plans, with newly presented budget proposals highlighting both the scale of planned expenditure and the priority given to capital projects.

Ripples Metrics had reported the proposed budget for 10 states collectively cumulating at ₦12.493 trillion for the 2026.

Data from Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Benue, Delta, Edo, Kaduna, Kwara, Oyo and Imo show proposed budgets ranging from about ₦605 billion to roughly ₦1.7 trillion, with most states allocating a dominant share to capital expenditure. In total, from our findings, about 19 states have presented their 2026 budget to be reviewed and passed by their state assemblies.

In Anambra State, the government presented a proposed ₦757 billion budget to the State House of Assembly. Of this amount, about ₦595.3 billion, representing roughly 79%, is earmarked for capital expenditure. The proposed structure places Anambra among the states with the highest capital-to-total budget ratios for 2026.

Akwa Ibom State also proposed a large spending plan of about ₦1.39 trillion, which has been submitted to the State Assembly. Capital expenditure accounts for approximately ₦1.035 trillion, or 75% of the total, reinforcing the state’s long-standing emphasis on infrastructure and project-driven spending.

In Bauchi State, the government presented a ₦878 billion budget proposal to the State Assembly. While details of the capital–recurrent split were not specified in the initial presentation, the total size places Bauchi among states approaching the ₦1 trillion mark for 2026.

Benue State proposed a ₦605.5 billion budget, which was laid before the State Assembly. Of this figure, about ₦342.42 billion, representing roughly 57%, is allocated to capital expenditure. The remainder is set aside for recurrent spending, making Benue one of the states with a more balanced split compared with others where capital spending dominates more strongly.

Edo State presented a proposed ₦939.85 billion budget to the State House of Assembly. Capital expenditure is projected at about ₦637 billion, accounting for roughly 68% of the total budget, leaving about one-third for recurrent obligations.

In Kaduna State, the government proposed a ₦985.9 billion budget, which was formally presented to the State Assembly. Capital spending is estimated at about ₦698.9 billion, representing roughly 70.9% of the total, continuing a trend of capital-heavy budgets in the state.

Kwara State submitted a ₦644.004 billion budget proposal to the State Assembly, Punch Newspapers reported. Of this amount, approximately ₦424.89 billion, or about 66%, is allocated to capital expenditure, with the rest set aside for recurrent spending.

In Oyo State, the ₦892 billion budget for 2026 has already moved beyond the proposal stage. The budget has been approved by the State House of Assembly and signed into law, making Oyo one of the earliest states to complete its 2026 budget cycle. Details of the capital–recurrent breakdown were not included in the approval report.

Imo State also proposed one of the largest budgets among the states reviewed, with a spending plan of about ₦1.4 trillion. The proposal allocates approximately ₦1.1676 trillion to capital expenditure, representing about 83.4% of the total budget—the highest capital share reported among the states in this review.

Taken together, the data show that most states proposing budgets for 2026 are prioritising capital expenditure, often allocating well over 60% of total spending to projects and investments. Budget sizes vary widely, reflecting differences in state revenue bases and spending capacity, but the overall pattern points to continued expansion in subnational budgets as states outline their fiscal plans for the year ahead.

By: James Odunayo

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