Oyo State generated N406.9 billion in recurrent revenue in the first half of 2026, representing 91.2% of its target for the period, while expending N345.7 billion, or 77.5% of its expenditure target for the same six months [S1]. The near-full revenue collection and planned acquisition of 50 electric buses position Oyo as a subnational fiscal discipline model that could unlock diaspora co-investment in state-level infrastructure, according to state officials [S1].
Musibau Babatunde, Professor and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), disclosed the figures on August 6, 2026, in Ibadan while presenting the 2026 Half-Year Budget Implementation Report on Revenue and Expenditure to stakeholders at the Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Agodi [S1]. Babatunde also announced that the government would soon take delivery of 50 electric buses to improve public transportation and reduce commuting costs for residents [S1]. He explained that the budget performance review across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies aimed to assess revenue generation and expenditure while identifying areas requiring greater government attention [S1].
Ayobami Ojo, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, attributed the strong budget performance to prudent financial management, improved revenue mobilisation, and the dedication of public servants [S1]. Ojo highlighted that the 2026 budget was developed through a participatory process guided by global best practices [S1]. He commended Governor Seyi Makinde for supporting institutional reforms that have positioned Oyo as one of Nigeria's leading sub-national governments in transparency and accountable financial management [S1]. Adenike Fasina, the Head of Service, urged revenue ministries to block leakages and ensure transparency in their operations [S1].
Electric bus fleet and infrastructure investment
Babatunde stated that as part of Governor Makinde's promises during the state's 50th anniversary celebration, Oyo will soon take delivery of 50 electric buses [S1]. These buses will be distributed across local government areas, while others will serve inter-city and intra-city routes, helping to reduce transportation costs [S1]. The electric bus acquisition represents a capital-intensive infrastructure project that could benefit from diaspora co-investment mechanisms, such as diaspora bonds or public-private partnerships, though no such arrangements were announced in the source text [S1].
Tunde Ayanleke, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, assured that subsequent quarters would prioritise basic education and primary healthcare [S1]. He emphasised that the budget monitoring committee would continue monthly reviews to ensure desired results [S1]. The review also covered projects nominated by residents during town hall meetings, noting that while some projects have commenced, others will begin before year-end [S1].
Fiscal performance in context
Oyo's revenue performance of 91.2% against target in H1 2026 compares favorably with broader subnational fiscal trends in Nigeria. For context, eleven oil-producing states shared N321.90 billion in Q1 2026 under the 13% derivation formula, with Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom cornering approximately 75% of that total [S4]. Delta State received N101.60 billion, Bayelsa N71.64 billion, and Akwa Ibom N69.39 billion in Q1 2026 alone [S4]. Oyo, as a non-oil-producing state, relies on internally generated revenue and federal allocations rather than derivation funds, making its 91.2% revenue target achievement notable for fiscal sustainability [S1].
The state's expenditure performance of 77.5% against target suggests disciplined spending, with room for increased capital outlay in the second half of 2026 [S1]. Babatunde emphasised that the review aims to track the 2026 budget, measure achievements in revenue and expenditure, and explore ways of improving Oyo State's fiscal sustainability, enabling the government to channel more resources into sectors that need greater support [S1].
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