Ebonyi delivering tangible results amid rising federal allocation
By Ismail Abdulaziz, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
At the beginning of his administration, President Bola Tinubu embarked on a series of fiscal reforms aimed at strengthening the economy and public finances.
A key argument advanced by the Federal Government was that providing states with greater financial resources would accelerate grassroots development and improve citizens’ quality of life.
The administration maintained that states and local governments, being the tiers of government closest to the people, require substantial resources to address critical needs in education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development.
Consequently, reforms such as the removal of petrol subsidy and adjustments to revenue-sharing arrangements significantly increased funds available to subnational governments.
The Federal Government argued that the measures would not only strengthen fiscal federalism but also provide governors with the resources needed to execute impactful projects without excessive borrowing.
Expectedly, the increased allocations have heightened public expectations and renewed calls for accountability.
Citizens and stakeholders currently demand evidence that the additional revenues are translating into tangible improvements in their daily lives.
For instance, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the administration believes the increased allocations would give governors the resources needed to execute impactful projects.
He, however, urged the media and citizens to hold state and local government leaders accountable for how the funds are utilised.
It is against this backdrop that Ebonyi State under Governor Francis Nwifuru is being presented as an example of how increased federal allocations can be deployed to drive development.
Speaking during a visit by the Renewed Hope Media Tour to projects executed by both the Federal and Ebonyi governments across the South-East, Nwifuru said the increased allocations had greatly enhanced the state’s capacity to deliver development projects.
According to him, the state has been able to undertake major infrastructure projects while reducing dependence on borrowing, a challenge that constrained previous administrations.
“We have kept contractors busy in the state with projects spread across every local government area, from rural roads to primary health centres and water schemes.
“We do not even view road projects as a big deal because we have road projects scattered all over the state,” the governor said.
Indeed, across various sectors, the administration has embarked on projects designed to expand infrastructure, improve social services and stimulate economic growth.
Among the flagship projects are the VANCO Flyover and Tunnel Project, township road rehabilitation initiatives, rural road construction programmes, the Oferekpe Water Scheme and the International Trade Centre.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the administration has also prioritised education.
To this end, construction is ongoing on 43 model secondary schools across the state.
The government is equally establishing the University of Information and Communication Technology at Oferekpe Agbaja and the University of Aeronautic Engineering at Ezza, while smart secondary schools are being developed across local government areas.
Similarly, the agricultural sector has received considerable attention.
Efforts include support for mechanised farming, fertiliser distribution, the revival of the Nkaliki Hatchery and the construction of a major feed mill aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and creating employment opportunities.
Furthermore, the government is pursuing industrialisation initiatives intended to diversify the state’s economy.
These include the establishment of a state-owned cement factory and the development of an industrial city designed to attract investment and promote manufacturing.
The healthcare sector has also witnessed substantial intervention.
According to the Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, the administration has equipped 13 general hospitals with MRI machines and other modern medical equipment.
In addition, it has recruited 195 healthcare workers, upgraded primary healthcare centres statewide, and expanded free maternal and child healthcare insurance coverage.
He disclosed that more than N10 billion had been committed to healthcare infrastructure and staffing improvements.
“We distributed ambulances and utility vehicles to general hospitals. These measures are strengthening tertiary and primary healthcare delivery while making services more accessible and affordable for residents,” he said.
In addition, the administration has introduced programmes targeted at women and youths.
These include a N1 billion empowerment scheme benefiting 500 hawkers and small-scale traders as well as direct financial support to 500 beneficiaries who reportedly received N2 million each.
Security and peace-building efforts have also featured prominently in the government’s agenda.
Chief Stephen Igwe, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said proactive conflict-resolution mechanisms, community engagement and strengthened local security structures had contributed to a reduction in communal disputes across parts of the state.
“Communal conflicts have been significantly reduced through proactive conflict resolution efforts, while recruitment into local security structures, including forest security initiatives, has been approved,” he said.
Meanwhile, the state’s ambitious development agenda is reflected in its proposed N884.87 billion budget for 2026, the largest in Ebonyi’s history.
Notably, more than 84 per cent of the budget is earmarked for capital projects and economic development, underscoring the administration’s infrastructure-driven growth strategy.
In addition, Ebonyi is expected to benefit from a new infrastructure financing arrangement under which states receive dedicated monthly funding for development projects.
Under the scheme, Ebonyi is projected to receive N7 billion monthly, amounting to N84 billion annually.
For many observers, the critical question remains whether the increased allocations being enjoyed by states across the federation are producing measurable results.
In Ebonyi, however, officials insist that the evidence is visible in ongoing infrastructure projects, investments in education and healthcare, industrial development initiatives and social intervention programmes.
As the debate over the impact of Tinubu’s fiscal reforms continues, supporters of the Ebonyi model argue that the state demonstrates how increased federal allocations can be translated into tangible development outcomes.
These include roads that connect communities, schools that expand opportunities, hospitals that improve healthcare access, and industries capable of creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
Whether that assessment ultimately withstands public scrutiny may depend on the sustainability, quality and long-term impact of the projects.
Nevertheless, Ebonyi is increasingly positioning itself as a case study in the conversation about how states can utilise enhanced revenues to accelerate development and improve citizens’ welfare.(NANFeatures)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
****If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.
