Yobe State Governor,Mai Mala Buni, on Thursday presented a budget proposal of N515.58 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.

Presenting the appropriation bill in Damaturu, Mr Buni said the budget, tagged “Budget of Economic Growth and Infrastructural Transformation,” was to complete ongoing projects and initiate new ones to accelerate the state development.

He said the proposal consisted of N192.13 billion (37.3 per cent) for recurrent expenditure and N323.46 billion (62.7 per cent) for capital expenditure.

According to him, the budget will be financed through receipts from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), internally generated revenue (IGR), aid, grants, and the Capital Development Fund (CDF).

Mr Buni said the 2026 fiscal plan was designed to sustain the state’s development momentum in spite of global economic challenges.

He said that emphasis would be on infrastructure, agriculture, education, health, and rural electrification.

He stated, “The state government will focus on completing all ongoing road projects, including township roads and drainages in Damaturu, Potiskum, Nguru, Gashua, Geidam, and Buni Yadi.

“New roads will also be constructed in Ngelzarma–Mashio, Bayamari–Geidam, Geidam–Bukarti–Dumbol, Nangere–Kayeri, and Buni Gari–Teteba, among others.”

Mr Buni noted that the Damaturu Flyover project, awarded at N22.81 billion, had reached 55 per cent completion and would be inaugurated in the first quarter of 2026.

He also said that N17 billion was invested in agricultural empowerment materials and inputs in 2025 to enhance food security.

According to him, N27.27 billion was also spent on education to improve access and quality education across all levels in the state.

“Government equally expended N11.21 billion on solar street lighting in major towns and sustained investments in health-care delivery.

“This earned the Yobe government commendation from BudgIT for implementing 80 per cent of its 2025 health budget,” Mr Buni said.

He commended the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dangote Foundation, Federal Ministry of Health, and other development partners for their support to the state’s healthcare initiatives.

Earlier, the speaker of the Yobe House of Assembly, Chiroma Mashio, described the budget presentation as a constitutional exercise reflecting the state’s commitment to accountability and prudent financial management.

Mr Mashio said that the presentation fulfilled Section 121(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

According to him, the provision mandates the governor to lay before the House estimates of revenue and expenditure before the commencement of each financial year.

He commended the state government for remarkable progress in infrastructure, agriculture, and empowerment, describing the construction of Yobe’s first flyover in Damaturu as a milestone in urban renewal.

“The distribution of modern farm implements and inputs has improved productivity, enhanced food security, and strengthened economic resilience,” the speaker said.

Mr Mashio lauded the state’s empowerment schemes, skill acquisition programmes, and payment of workers’ arrears, which had promoted social stability and citizens’ welfare.

He assured the governor that the legislature would continue to collaborate with the executive and judiciary through effective lawmaking, oversight, and public engagement.

The speaker urged his colleagues to deliberate on the budget with fairness, patriotism, and commitment for public interest and ensured it reflected the aspirations of Yobe citizens.
(NAN)