The Edo State Government has reenacted its commitment to inclusive governance and broader citizen participation in the budgeting process through its Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (MBEP), which hosted a one-day stakeholders’ consultative forum on the proposed 2026 Budget in Benin City.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Elizabeth Ebosele, said the Forum reflected the dedication of the Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, to openness and people-focused development. She emphasized that citizen engagement is essential to ensuring that planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting align with public priorities, making the budget process more transparent and accessible.
Dr. Ebosele explained that the proposed 2026 Budget is built on the administration’s policy direction, which prioritizes citizens’ welfare and that it is structured around the five-point Agenda covering Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and Education. The framework, she noted, is designed to strengthen economic resilience and improve the quality of life across the State.
Highlighting the Government’s emphasis on public participation, she stressed that inclusive decision-making ensures that projects respond to real community needs and builds public trust. She added that the 2026 Budget preparation was guided by three core principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. Participants were assured that their contributions would help shape a realistic and impactful fiscal plan.
Offering insights, the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Felix Akhabue, the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Nosa Adams Esq. and the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea, commended the structure of the proposed budget. They noted its strategic importance for economic growth and emphasized that it captures the aspirations of the Edo people. They also encouraged participants to identify not just projects, but opportunities for improved internal revenue generation to support human capital and infrastructural development.
The Director of Budget, Mr. Michael Oseh, delivered a presentation on the 2025 Citizens’ Budget and the 2026 – 2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), including an analysis of 14 key sectors. His presentation also compared the 2024 and 2025 budgets and provided updates on the State’s economic and fiscal performance. The forum brought together Commissioners, Heads of MDAS, Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and citizens, to examine policy priorities and contribute to the 2026 fiscal plan.
Civil society groups and NGOs contributed to the discussions. The Executive Director of the Network for the Advancement of People with Disabilities, Mr. Melody Omosa, lauded Sen. Monday Okpebholo for including disability-focused provisions in the Budget, and described it as a major milestone for the State. Other organizations including Care Heart Initiative, represented by Mrs. Grace Obakina, expressed appreciation for the interactive platform and offered recommendations to strengthen the fiscal plan.
Highpoint of the event was the warm applause offered by participants in appreciation of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to an inclusive governance structure that ensures no one is left behind in the renewed hope agenda. The forum concluded with a collective commitment by stakeholders to continue partnering with the State Government to shape a budget that is inclusive and reflective of the priorities and aspirations of Edo people.
Daniel-Nwosu Nohunwan Lucy
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning
