As Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under the Ondo State Government commenced the 2026 Budget Defence Exercise, the State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Laolu Akindolire has assured that the budget will focus on delivering tangible outcomes through strategic investment in key sectors.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Akure, Akindolire reiterated the state government’s determination to ensure a realistic budget that could be fully funded and faithfully implemented, emphasising that “proposals must be realistic, justified, and strategically aligned with Ondo State’s policy thrusts, the Medium-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS), and the available fiscal envelope”.
Akindolire, who described budget realism as the central guiding principle for the fiscal year, noted that the development would make a significant shift toward more credible, actionable, and result-oriented budgeting across the state.
“The nation’s economic outlook, declining statutory allocations and slow revenue growth have necessitated a cautious revenue forecast,” said Akindolire.
While commending previous efforts to entrench fiscal discipline, the commissioner explained that lower ceilings for the 2026 fiscal year should not be seen as punitive but as a practical response to economic realities.
Akindolire noted that the budget was designed not only to address present needs but to strategically position the state for long-term development and economic resilience.
He issued a stern warnings against frivolous requests, inflated figures and unrealistic projects, stressing that submissions would be thoroughly assessed for credibility, measurability and impact.
The commissioner outlined eight major policy thrusts to include, Sustained food security and agricultural transformation, human capital development – education, healthcare, and vocational skills infrastructure expansion and modernisation – transportation, energy, ICT, sustainable Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) mobilisation, resilient and inclusive community development, social inclusion and social protection,
economic diversification and industrial growth and prudent fiscal management,
He however called on the stakeholders, especially accounting officers to embrace collaboration, commitment, and accountability, urging them to see the exercise as a collective mission to improve the lives of the people.
He said “This is not about defending numbers, but defending priorities, outcomes, and impacts”.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Administrative Secretary of the Budget Office, Mr. Stephen Aworere assured that all submissions will be thoroughly scrutinised.