Bwari Area Council Chair Presents ₦30.6bn 2026 Budget To Councillors

The Chairman of Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, John Gabaya, on Wednesday, presented a ₦30.6 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the council’s legislature for approval.

Gabaya tagged the appropriation as the budget of “Consolidating Developmental Gains and Strengthening Service Delivery for Sustainable Growth.”

He explained that the proposal comprises ₦22.9 billion for capital expenditure and ₦7.6 billion for recurrent expenditure, with a major focus on completing ongoing projects initiated in 2025.

According to the chairman, the presentation was particularly significant as it represents the final appropriation proposal of his administration, which is expected to conclude in June 2026.

“This is particularly significant, as it represents the final appropriation proposal of this administration, scheduled to conclude in June 2026.

“It therefore provides an opportunity not only to outline our achievements, but to sustain ongoing projects and ensure a smooth transition for the incoming administration,” Gabaya said.

He noted that the budget reflects his administration’s determination to strengthen service delivery across all sectors while also improving the council’s Internally Generated Revenue.

Gabaya added that the 2026 budget is expected to promote accountability and transparency, enhance the socio-economic welfare of residents and lay a solid foundation for sustained development beyond his tenure.

The chairman said the appropriation was prepared against the backdrop of prevailing economic realities, including fluctuating national revenue, inflationary pressures and increasing demand for social infrastructure and public services.

Despite these challenges, he said the administration remained committed to prioritising projects and programmes that would have direct impact on residents across communities in the Bwari Area Council.

“With the collaborative efforts of the executive and legislative arms of this council, developmental projects were successfully executed, while others are at advanced stages of completion,” he said.

Gabaya also disclosed that within the year under review, his administration successfully implemented the newly approved minimum wage for council staff.

“The administration was also able to pay a chunk of unremitting pension deductions, manage its payroll system, and supervise, coordinate and monitor government programmes and projects in the area,” he added.

Responding, the Speaker of the legislative council, Dogara Ahmed, commended the chairman’s efforts, noting that the administration’s infrastructural development initiatives had boosted economic and social activities in the area.

Ahmed expressed optimism that the council’s Joint Allocation, Internally Generated Revenue and other income sources would improve to ensure effective implementation of the 2026 budget.

“A well-crafted budget is not an end in itself, but rather in its implementation.

“The legislators will, however, endeavour to diligently scrutinise and pass the budget in good time to facilitate the early commencement of its implementation,” he said.