Edo assembly considers N77.5bn supplementary appropriation bill

The Edo State House of Assembly has referred the state’s 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, proposing N70 billion for roads and N7.5 billion for electricity, to its Committee on Appropriation and Project Monitoring.

The bill scaled second reading during plenary on Tuesday, after Governor Monday Okpebholo requested legislative consideration of the proposed supplementary budget.

Leading the debate, the Majority Leader, Sunday Ojezele, said the bill sought to reallocate funds from underutilised areas to sectors that need additional funding for effective project implementation.

Supporting the bill, Jonathan Ibhamawu (Esan West) said the proposal included N70 billion for road projects and N7.5 billion for electricity.

Natasha Osawaru (Egor), who also supported the bill, said its provisions would address the needs of residents across the 18 local government areas of the state.

She said the proposed allocations covered critical sectors, including education and security.

Similarly, Maria Edeko (Esan North-East II) described the bill as a response to the needs of the people.

Following deliberations, the House referred the bill to the committee on appropriation and project monitoring for further consideration.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the committee is expected to report back to the House within two weeks.

Meanwhile, the House approved additional special advisers at the state and local government levels following a request by the governor.

Mr Okpebholo sought approval for additional appointments to strengthen administration at both levels.

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The majority leader, who led the debate, said the state government needed additional support to manage its affairs effectively.

On the local government appointments, Sunday Aghedo (Ovia South-West) said council chairmen previously had one special adviser each.

He noted that the new proposal sought approval for five additional advisers in each council.

Also at Tuesday’s plenary, the House passed a bill seeking to repeal the Bendel State Post-Primary Education Edict of 1988 and establish the Senior Secondary Education Board.

The bill was considered after the House resolved into a Committee of the Whole to examine its provisions.

Following the consideration, the Speaker, Yekini Idaiye, directed that a clean copy of the bill be forwarded to the governor for assent.

The House adjourned plenary to Wednesday.