Ondo Assembly passes N775.5bn amended appropriation bill into law

….commits Rufus Giwa University, other bills to committees

By Tolulope Eniola

The Ondo State House of Assembly has passed into law the 2026 Amended Appropriation Bill, increasing the state’s annual budget from N524,410,590,939.00 to N775,518,229,772.00.

The amended budget, which represents an increase of N251,107,638,833.00, was passed on Friday during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had presented N 769.384 billion to the house few weeks ago for consideration.

Presenting the report and recommendations of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, its Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Ogunmolasuyi, said the committee subjected the bill to detailed scrutiny before arriving at its recommendations.

The committee observed that Schedules I and II of the 2026 Appropriation Law had been altered to accommodate active heads and sub-heads with significant changes in the overall budget. It also noted that some budgetary heads had become less active, while funds allocated to some highly active heads had been exhausted, necessitating additional provisions before the end of the fiscal year.

According to the committee, the revised budget would support the state government’s vision of accelerating development, particularly in road and bridge construction, improved water supply, healthcare and other critical infrastructure. It added that the revised appropriation would provide funds to sustain ongoing projects and respond to emerging developmental needs of the state.

The committee recommended that the state government conscientiously apply the revised first and second schedules to the identified needs of the people and take necessary steps to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to sustain the revised heads and sub-heads under the government’s Ease Agenda.

It further recommended that the revised provision of N775,518,229,772.00 for recurrent and capital expenditure be approved and that the sum of N775,518,229,772.00 for the 2026 revised budget be passed into law.

Following the presentation, the House Leader, Hon. Chief Olatunji Oshati, moved a motion for the bill to be read for the third time and passed into law. The motion was seconded by the lawmaker representing Ilaje Constituency I, Rt. Hon. (Prince) Abayomi Akinruntan, and the bill was subsequently passed through a voice vote.

Meanwhile, a Bill for a Law to provide for the retirement age and enhanced remuneration of Magistrates and Presidents of Grade “A” Customary Courts in Ondo State was committed to the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petition for scrutiny after scaling through second reading.

The House Leader, Oshati moved the motion for the bill to be read for the second time and committed to the appropriate committee, which was seconded by the lawmaker representing Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Constituency, Hon. Nelson Akinsuroju.

Speaking on the bill, the Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary and Public Petition, Hon. Barr. Stephen Abitogun, and Hon. Barr. Felix Afe, described the proposed legislation as timely and a worthy recognition of the important roles played by Magistrates and Customary Court Presidents in the administration of justice.

They noted that the two categories of judicial officers provide justice at the grassroots, particularly in communities where residents may not have easy access to High Courts and other superior courts of record. They added that, given the often remote locations and demanding nature of their duties, consideration of improved remuneration and appropriate allowances would help recognise their responsibilities and working conditions.

Also, a Bill for a Law to provide for the establishment, incorporation, constitution and functions of Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Owo, was committed to the House Committee on Tertiary Education, Science and Technology after scaling through second reading.

The Speaker, Oladiji, and the lawmaker representing Owo Constituency I, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, among other members, supported the bill, noting that the proposed university would contribute to the development of education and provide greater opportunities for young people.

They also stressed its potential to stimulate socio-economic development in Owo and Ondo State.

The House Leader, Oshati, thereafter moved the motion for the bill to be committed to the appropriate committee for further legislative scrutiny, which was seconded by Hon. Japhet Oluwatoyin.

The House also welcomed a former Deputy Speaker, who was recently appointed Special Adviser on Legislative Matters to the Ondo State Governor.