The Osun State House of Assembly on Monday passed the 2026 Draft Appropriation Bill, valued at N705 billion, for second reading during its plenary session in Osogbo.
The bill progressed after the House Majority Leader, Adewumi Babajide, presented the policy thrust of the proposed budget.
Adewumi explained that the increased budget size was intended to support infrastructural development and other critical state projects.
“The expansion of the budget is to cater for ongoing infrastructural development and essential projects across Osun State,” he said.
Lawmakers contributing to the debate described the appropriation bill as one aimed at strengthening economic and infrastructural growth. They urged its prompt passage to enable smooth government operations in the coming fiscal year.
Speaker of the Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, aligned with the views expressed by members. He assured that the bill would receive due legislative attention, adding, “The House will give this bill the attention it deserves in line with our rules.”
Egbedun cited Order 95, subsection 5(b) of the House Standing Orders, announcing that the bill would be referred to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for detailed examination. He directed the committee to draw up a timetable for the budget defence sessions, during which ministries, departments and agencies of government are expected to appear.
“All MDAs must be prepared to defend their allocations before the committee,” he said.
The Speaker disclosed that the budget defence exercise would run from November 24 to December 4, allowing lawmakers time to scrutinise the figures and proposals. He emphasised the importance of strict adherence to the timetable to ensure timely consideration and passage of the budget before the end of the year.
The session concluded with the bill formally committed to the House Committee for further legislative processing.