Ebonyi State allocates just 6.2% of health capital budget in first half of 2026

Ebonyi State's health sector received a mere 6.2% of its allocated capital budget in the first half of 2026, a period during which the state garnered N210.64 billion in revenue. The health sector was slated for N33.37 billion in capital projects, but only N2.05 billion was disbursed between January and June, according to the state's second-quarter Budget Performance Report.

This underfunding occurs amid reports of severe challenges within the health sector, where primary health centers are described as deathtraps due to critical staff and equipment shortages. Education spending also showed weak implementation, with only 10.69% of its substantial N140.29 billion capital budget released during the same six months.

The state's revenue for the period included N48.23 billion from an opening balance, N113.87 billion from FAAC, N19.74 billion in internally generated revenue, and N28.39 billion from loans. Total spending reached N120.42 billion, with N62.61 billion for capital expenditure and N57.81 billion for recurrent costs.

Compounding these concerns, the report revealed that some ministries received zero capital releases. The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, budgeted at N703.73 million for capital projects, saw no funding. Similarly, the Ministry of Skills Development and Job Creation received no capital funds despite a N1.7 billion allocation, suggesting potential project stagnation.