The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has announced that the lawmakers have raised the state’s 2025 budget from N605 billion to N676 billion, with a specific focus on combating food insecurity.
Agbebaku made the disclosure in Benin City, explaining that the budget increase of over N71 billion was essential to tackle the growing challenges of food scarcity and promote food sufficiency within the state.
The budget proposal was initially presented by Governor Monday Okpebholo on December 10, 2024, but the state lawmakers decided to boost the allocation for the agricultural sector, which was originally set at N4.5 billion.
The revised budget now includes a significant N70 billion for agriculture, emphasizing the state’s commitment to addressing food insecurity.
Agbebaku explained that the House’s decision to increase funding for the agricultural sector stemmed from the pressing issue of food shortages across the country, which has resulted in soaring food prices and increasing hardship for Nigerians.
He said, “The country is currently experiencing an acute shortfall in food production, a situation that has seen an astronomical rise in the prices of food and increased hardship among Nigerians.”
He further emphasized that the legislative arm was committed to supporting the governor’s vision for an agricultural revolution in the state.
“We looked at the budget carefully and decided to fund the agricultural sector to create food sufficiency in Edo State,” Agbebaku stated, underscoring the importance of increasing the allocation to ensure that the state could lead the way in agricultural development.
Governor Okpebholo expressed his appreciation for the lawmakers’ decision, stating that the allocation of N70 billion to agriculture was in line with his administration’s priority to address food insecurity and ensure that Edo State becomes self-sufficient in food production.
He noted that the budget was designed to revitalize the state's economy, with a strong focus on agriculture and infrastructure development.
The governor also reaffirmed plans for a massive mechanized farming initiative, set to begin in early 2025 across the three senatorial districts of Edo State.
He said, “This significant allocation to the agriculture sector underscores my administration’s commitment to food security and the agricultural revolution. With this boost, we expect Edo State not only to achieve food sufficiency but also to begin exporting agricultural produce to neighboring states.”
With the increased budget and the upcoming mechanized farming program, both the state government and lawmakers are hopeful that Edo State will play a pivotal role in addressing the nation’s food challenges in the coming years.
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