36 states declare N36.98trn subnational budget approval for 2026
A report by Promad Foundation has revealed that Lagos State led other 35 States in the country for an estimated N36.98 trillion subnational budget approval for 2026 as against N25.58 trillion 2025.
The report with title “2026 Nigeria subnational budget outlook”, stated that Nigeria’s subnational budget is rising in 2026. The combined total of N36.98trillion represents a 45 per cent increase over the N25.58trillion of 2025 and a 129 per cent rise from N16.15trillion of 2024.
“This trend highlights growing state fiscal expenditure with stronger commitments to development priorities,” the report revealed.
Promad Foundation revealed that a total of 11 states crossed the N1trillion market budget approval.
The list include Lagos, N4.45trillion; Rivers, N1.85 trillion; Delta, N1.73trillion; Ogun, N1.67 trillion; Enugu, N1.62trillion; Imo, N1.45trillion; Akwa Ibom, N1.399 trillion; Kano, N1.37trillion; Niger, N1.07trillion; Abia, N1.02trillion, and Bayelsa, N1.02 trillion.
According to the report, out of the M4.45trillion Lagos state budget, 48 per cent or N2.13trillion allocated for recurrent expenditure and 52 per cent or N2.31trillion for capital expenditure.
According to the report, South West with 24 per cent led others with share of state budget by geopolitical zones, followed by South South,19 per cent.
North West came third with 17 per cent, South East, 16 per cent, North Central 13 per cent and North East, 12 per cent.
The report also revealed that Lagos, Ogun, Enugu, Delta, Imo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Kano were made up of states with high budgets by 2026.
“Many states are investing in roads, transport networks, school construction, and rehabilitation programmes. Health and agriculture also attract significant funding in several states, reflecting efforts to strengthen service delivery, and support economic resilience.
“Overall, the distribution of capital spending illustrates how subnational governments are directing resources towards long term development and state specific priorities,” the report explained.
The report by Promad Foundation added that Sokoto, Borno, FCT, Kwara and Rivers 2026 budget were not passed.
