Kogi Agric Ministry Proposes ₦13.1bn in 2026 After Generating 66.5% Revenue in 2025

News in Brief

-Kogi State's Agriculture Ministry seeks ₦13.11 billion in 2026 to procure ₦6 billion worth of farm machines and expand processing zones, building on 66.5% revenue success and youth training in modern farming achieved in 2025.

-Commissioner Ojoma seeks extra funds for Osara Greenhouse to hire trained youths, as lawmakers commit to scrutinising proposals for food security and smallholder boosts.

Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture has proposed a total budget of ₦13.1 billion for the 2026 fiscal year while defending its 66.5% revenue performance in 2025.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojoma, made this proposal during a 2025 budget performance and 2026 budget proposal session at the Kogi State House of Assembly. 

Proposed Budget Breakdown

Speaking to the House Standing Committee on Agriculture, Ojoma proposed the budget, comprising ₦11.83 billion for capital expenditure, ₦776.1 million for personnel costs, and ₦504.6 million for overhead costs for the ministry in the 2026 fiscal year.

According to him, the proposed budget makes provision for ₦6 billion for the procurement of tractors, power tillers and harvesters to enhance food security; ₦500 million for the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone II project; and ₦100 million to support IFAD-assisted value chain development initiatives for cassava and rice.

Other proposed allocations include ₦1.5 billion for agricultural mechanisation equipment, ₦100 million for land and climate change management programmes, and ₦100 million for the rehabilitation and expansion of the Osara Green House.

Review of 2025 Performance

Speaking about the ministry's achievements in 2025, Ojoma disclosed that as of September 2025, the ministry had generated ₦264.3 million in revenue, representing 66.5% of the revised revenue projection of ₦397.4 million.

The commissioner disclosed that his office also secured approval for the training of 165 youths in hydroponics and aeroponics farming under the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture (EYIA) programme.

He added that the state government also fulfilled its counterpart funding obligations for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP).

Hon. Ojoma appreciated the committee for its sustained support for agricultural fiscal policies in the state. He noted that the synergy between the executive and legislative arms has helped to achieve effective implementation of the state’s agricultural development roadmap under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The Commissioner appealed to the committee to consider increasing the allocation for the Osara Green House from ₦100 million to ₦1 billion, explaining that the proposed upgrade would enable the engagement of the 165 youths trained under the EYIA programme and generate additional employment opportunities across the state.

Kogi Assembly Promises Due Process

Earlier, the Chairman of the House of Assembly Standing Committee on Agriculture and Member representing Kabba-Bunu State Constituency, Hon. Seyi Bello, said the budget defence exercise reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring that the agricultural sector receives adequate funding and institutional support for optimal performance.

He noted that the committee’s priority areas include programmes aimed at boosting food production and security, supporting smallholder farmers through improved access to inputs, extension services and credit facilities; promoting mechanised and climate-smart agriculture; encouraging youth and women participation; and strengthening agricultural value chains, including processing, storage and market access.

Bello assured that the Assembly would subject the proposed budget to rigorous scrutiny in line with the administration’s vision of shared prosperity and sustainable growth, as articulated by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, emphasising that the process is intended to promote equitable, efficient, and sustainable development across Kogi State.