The Abia State House of Assembly has passed a bill authorising the reallocation of N207.97bn within the state’s 2026 budget.
The bill, sponsored by the House Majority Leader, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu, who represents Arochukwu State Constituency, was passed on Thursday following its first and second readings and consideration by the Committee of the Whole during plenary.
The legislation, titled the Abia State of Nigeria Appropriation Amendment (Virement) Bill, seeks to authorise the transfer of N207,967,890,224 from budgetary expenditure subheads where the funds are less needed to those requiring additional funding.
Announcing the passage, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, said the law would take effect from October 22, 2026, once assented to by Governor Alex Otti.
He congratulated members on the smooth passage of the bill.
Leading the debate earlier, Kalu described the proposed legislation as straightforward, explaining that it was designed to enable the state government to redirect funds to priority areas where they were more urgently needed.
He said the measure would support the governor’s efforts to deliver democratic dividends and promote good governance across the state.
The Majority Leader urged his colleagues to support the bill and ensure its speedy passage.
The House held Thursday’s plenary at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia because of ongoing renovation work at the Assembly Complex.
During the sitting, lawmakers also adopted a bill seeking to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide for the establishment of State Police Services and related matters.
The Assembly subsequently adjourned plenary until Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 10 a.m.