Citizens’ Engagement Strengthens Ebonyi’s 2026 Budget Process~Nwifuru's Aide

The Ebonyi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and participatory governance with the successful conclusion of the citizens’ input session on the 2026 Budget Estimate presented by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. The exercise, held on Monday, November 24, 2025, showcased the administration’s willingness to involve citizens directly in shaping the State’s development priorities.

Governor Nwifuru, while presenting the budget estimated at ₦884.87 billion and themed “Budget of Actualization and Hope,” explained that the fiscal proposal was crafted to ensure the completion of ongoing projects and fast-track coordinated development across all sectors of the State. He emphasized that transparency and accountability remain central to his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs philosophy. The session featured extensive participation from civil society groups, community associations, professionals, and representatives of various interest blocs. These stakeholders offered valuable insights and recommendations aimed at strengthening the proposed fiscal framework and aligning it more closely with grassroots needs.

According to the Governor’s Special Assistant on Documentation, Dr. Boniface Nwankwo, the citizens’ engagement provided an avenue for the government to present its achievements under the 2025 fiscal year while also laying out projections for 2026. The interaction, he noted, served as a crucial feedback mechanism through which citizens expressed their views on ongoing policies and programmes. Dr. Nwankwo stated that the contributions gathered during the exercise have furnished the government with a clearer understanding of the priority concerns and expectations of Ebonyians as preparations for the 2026 fiscal year advance. This, he added, ensures that planning and implementation will remain people-driven and aligned with the realities across communities.

He further described the participatory budget process as a hallmark of Governor Nwifuru’s democratic leadership style, noting that it demonstrates the administration’s readiness to give citizens a meaningful voice in governance. “This singular action singles out His Excellency as a true democrat who understands that participatory governance is essential for deepening democracy,” Nwankwo said. With the integration of citizens’ inputs and a thematic focus on actualization and hope, analysts say Ebonyi State is positioned to experience purposeful and transformative governance in the coming fiscal year under the stewardship of Governor Nwifuru. The 2026 Budget Estimate is expected to undergo further legislative scrutiny before final approval by the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.