By Fatima Muraina
Ondo State has commenced its 2026 Budget Defence Exercise, declaring an end to inflated figures and vague promises.
The State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Laolu Akindolire, stated that the forthcoming budget would be guided by realism, measurable impact, and strategic investment in critical sectors.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Akure, Akindolire emphasised that all budget proposals must align with the State’s Medium-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) and reflect current economic realities, including declining federal allocations and sluggish revenue growth.
“Our guiding principle this year is Budget Realism,” he said. “We are moving away from abstract numbers to actionable, result-driven planning that delivers real value to our people.”
He urged ministries and agencies to be practical and transparent in their submissions, warning against frivolous requests and inflated projects. Akindolire explained that the reduced budget ceilings for the year were not punitive, but a necessary response to the prevailing economic challenges.
The Commissioner listed eight policy priorities for the 2026 fiscal year, which include: Sustained Food Security and Agricultural Transformation; Human Capital Development – Education, Healthcare, and Vocational Skills; Infrastructure Expansion and Modernisation – Transport, Energy, and ICT; and Sustainable Internally Generated Revenue Mobilisation.
Others are Resilient and Inclusive Community Development, Social Inclusion and Protection, Economic Diversification and Industrial Growth, as well as Prudent Fiscal Management.
“This is not about defending numbers, but about defending priorities, outcomes, and impacts,” he said, calling on all stakeholders to embrace transparency and teamwork.
In his opening remarks, the Administrative Secretary of the Budget Office, Mr. Stephen Aworere, assured that all budget proposals would be thoroughly scrutinised to ensure alignment with the State’s development goals.