The Enugu East Legislative Council has been presented with a ₦18.87 billion 2026 Budget Proposal by Pastor Beloved Dan Anike, the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area. This proposal outlines an ambitious development agenda centered on infrastructure expansion, economic growth, social welfare, and institutional consolidation.
The proposal, dubbed “The Budget of Consolidation and Economic Advancement,” was introduced in the council chambers, where Obi-Anike referred to the 2026 fiscal year as a pivotal scaling phase for his administration. He clarified that the upcoming year will concentrate on speeding up delivery and strengthening the influence of governance throughout communities, while 2025 served as a transitional stage for system stabilization and policy alignment.
The chairman claims that the proposed budget is intentionally investment-driven, reflecting the council’s commitment to growth-oriented spending, with 78% going toward capital expenditures and 22% going toward recurring expenditures. This represents a significant expansion over the 2025 estimates.
The proposal’s supporting accomplishments
Pastor Anike highlighted the council’s accomplishments from the previous fiscal year, noting that it made focused investments in infrastructure, youth development, healthcare, and education. In the field of education, he revealed that 1,700 students had their WAEC test expenses covered and that secondary and postsecondary scholarship programs had been implemented. Additionally, he mentioned the establishment and implementation of fifteen Smart Green Schools throughout wards, which were aided by logistics, fencing, water amenities, and teacher training.
In terms of healthcare, the chairman reported that more over 5,000 locals were enrolled in the Health Insurance Scheme and that three new Primary Health Centers were created in Neke Uno, Obinagu, and Nkpologwu to supplement the twelve Type-2 health centers the state government was building. The World Health Organization (WHO) commended Enugu East for these achievements, he continued, and the Enugu State Universal Health Coverage Agency awarded Enugu East the Grand Champion Award 2025.
Through cooperation with pertinent institutions, almost 3,000 young people benefited from vocational and technical training in ICT, mechanical trades, aviation middle-level skills, and emerging technologies. Youth development also played a significant role. He stated that in January 2026, the council will formally introduce the One-Youth-One-Skill Initiative.
Obi-Anike listed the building and renovation of roughly 10.4 kilometers of roads in Emene, Ugwomu, Ifo/Harmony Bypass, Eziama, and Ibagwa, as well as culverts, drainage systems, and a mini-bridge. Additionally, he announced the opening of additional access roads connecting the Ako–Ugwuomu farm estate corridor (6km) and Onyohu–Awhum (10km). The installation and energization of fifteen transformers in various localities improved the power supply.
Structure of the budget and sectoral priorities
The chairman broke down the 2026 estimates and stated that the economic sector received the greatest allocation of ₦7.52 billion (38.36 percent), which was intended for housing, road construction, agriculture, market development, rural and urban electricity, and tourism.
A total of ₦4.45 billion, or 24.25 percent, was allotted to the social sector to support social protection, gender inclusion, sports development, healthcare, education, and youth empowerment. While ₦810 million (4.5%) was designated for law, justice, and security to improve surveillance, neighborhood watch operations, and community safety, the administrative sector received ₦2.05 billion (10.87%) to promote governance efficiency, digital transformation, and staff capacity.
The creation of women’s empowerment cooperatives in every ward, interest-free revolving loans for farmers and traders, bursary payments for roughly 1,000 undergraduates, full sponsorship of at least 100 students in critical professions like medicine, expanded healthcare coverage targeting 10,000 enrollees, completion of ongoing road projects, development of contemporary markets, and full operation of the Enugu East Investment Company are some of the flagship programs scheduled for 2026.
Budget direction is praised by stakeholders.
In response to the presentation, Rt. Hon. Obumneme Obed Eke, the Leader of the Enugu East Legislative Council, praised the chairman for what he called a comprehensive budget that encompasses important industries propelling the local economy. He promised that the council would give the idea speedy attention and acknowledged the friendly relationship between the legislature and the government, attributing it to transparent governance.
Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu of Ibagwa Nike, the chairman of the Enugu East Traditional Rulers Council, also spoke. He claimed that the new administration had shown a distinct break from previous traditions by managing resources wisely. He promised that the council’s development plan will continue to have the backing of traditional leaders.
In a same vein, Rev. Dr. Christian Onyeka Onyia, the Anglican Bishop of the Nike Diocese, noted that the budget had good execution prospects and did not depend on borrowing. “The people will rejoice when the righteous are in authority,” he added, expressing faith that the people of Enugu East would continue to see improvement.
Reiterating that the 2026 fiscal plan is intended to provide jobs instead of unemployment, infrastructure instead of deterioration, healthcare instead of neglect, and opportunity instead of exclusion throughout Enugu East Local Government Area, Anike called on the legislature to approve the budget in the best interests of the people as a whole.
