BREAKING: Edo Assembly Explains Why State Governor’s 2025 Budget Was Inflated by N71bn

The Edo State House of Assembly has explained its decision to increase the state’s 2025 budget from N605 billion to N676 billion.

The clarification was made by Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku.

According to him, the additional N71 billion was allocated to combat food insecurity and create food sufficiency in Edo State.

Initially, Governor Monday Okpebholo had presented a budget proposal of N605 billion to the House on December 10, 2024. However, the lawmakers decided to increase the budget, with Agbebaku citing the need to address the pressing issue of food insecurity.

Agbebaku explained that the country is currently experiencing a severe food shortage, leading to skyrocketing food prices and increased hardship among Nigerians.

“Your Excellency, we present to you the final approved budget that will scale you through this new year. The budget will ensure infrastructure in all the constituencies in Edo State.

“The country is currently experiencing an acute shortfall in food production, a situation that has seen an astronomical rise in the prices of food production, and increased hardship among Nigerians.

“The Legislative Arm is committed to partnering with the Governor in ensuring that Edo takes the lead in agricultural revolution and solving the current food challenges plaguing the country.

“We looked at the budget carefully, digested the content, and decided, going by the current food insecurity in the country, to fund the agricultural sector to create food sufficiency in Edo State.

“So, the House agreed that the fund going to that sector be increased, and it was given a significant increase to ensure we achieve food sufficiency in Edo State,” the Speaker said.

Governor Okpebholo welcomed the allocation of N70 billion to the agricultural sector, stating that it aligns with his administration’s commitment to addressing food insecurity and making Edo sufficient in food production.