The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, has presented a ₦16,705,895,972.50 Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Obio/Akpor Legislative Council, christened “Appropriation Bill of Unity, Growth, and Inclusive Development.”The presentation, which took place at the legislative chambers was accompanied by a Vote of Confidence passed on the Chairman by the lawmakers in recognition of his numerous developmental strides across the Local Government Area.
Presenting the Appropriation Bill, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu said he was honoured to appear before the distinguished House to formally lay the 2026 Appropriation Bill for scrutiny and approval. He noted that the Bill is the product of careful planning, fiscal discipline, and a clear understanding of the development priorities of the people of Obio/Akpor.
The total size of the 2026 Appropriation Bill stands at ₦16,705,895,972.50, with provisions carefully structured to sustain governance while accelerating development across the Local Government Area. A total recurrent expenditure of ₦9,472,496,823.04 is proposed to cover personnel costs and essential overheads necessary for effective service delivery. In addition, the sum of ₦4,950,000,000.00 is earmarked for capital expenditure dedicated to critical infrastructure projects and developmental initiatives.
The sum of ₦2,083,479,555.20 is provided for statutory transfers, while ₦199,919,594.26 is projected for the reserve fund in line with the Council’s commitment to financial discipline.
Speaking on the revenue framework, the Chairman explained that the projected revenue for the 2026 fiscal year is expected from Statutory Allocation from FAAC in the sum of ₦4,888,548,658.01, representing 29.3 percent of the total revenue; the share of Value Added Tax amounting to ₦9,644,823,400.86, representing 57.7 percent; Internally Generated Revenue of ₦1,421,700,000.00, representing 8.5 percent; and other statutory revenues of ₦750,823,913.63, representing 4.5 percent.
He emphasized that the projections are based on conservative and achievable assumptions.
Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu further stated that the Council is transitioning from manual and cash-based systems to technology-driven platforms through electronic billing, digital payment channels, and centralized revenue monitoring.
According to him, this reform is aimed at enhancing transparency, blocking leakages, improving accountability, and expanding the internally generated revenue base while building public trust and aligning Obio/Akpor with best practices of modern urban governance.
On the expenditure structure, the Chairman explained that ₦4,753,512,140.64 is allocated for personnel costs, ₦4,718,984,682.40 for overhead costs, ₦4,950,000,000.00 for capital expenditure, ₦2,083,479,555.20 for statutory transfers, and ₦199,919,594.26 as surplus for the reserve fund.
He further outlined the key sectoral allocations, noting that ₦4,417,237,577.04 is dedicated to administration, ₦2,233,995,472.84 to health, ₦1,909,765,019.34 to education, ₦1,116,634,084.20 to works and services, and ₦1,351,000,000.00 to economic and social empowerment programmes.
Highlighting the focus on capital development, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu stated that the projects contained in the Appropriation Bill were outcomes of structured consultations, ward engagements, and interactions with community stakeholders under the Obalga Arise Agenda.
In his remarks, the Leader of the Tenth Obio/Akpor Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Rex-Milia Buchi, assured that the Appropriation Bill would be thoroughly scrutinized to ensure it aligns with the needs and aspirations of the people and promised speedy passage.
Subsequently, the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Stephen Nyekwere Chinda, moved a motion for a Vote of Confidence on the Chairman, citing his remarkable developmental strides and leadership qualities. The motion was seconded by the Councillor representing Ward 1, Hon. Michael Azuonwu Uche, and was unanimously adopted by the House.
Signed:
Goodluck Nsirim
Chief Press Secretary, Obio/Akpor LGA
Thursday, February 12, 2026
