Gombe SEC Approves 2026 Budget Proposal For Presentation To State Assembly On Thursday

…Endorses Construction of New Deputy Governor’s Office, Fire Service Complex, Mega Colleges Completion

…Govt Establishes Leadership Challenge Steering Committee to Strengthen Efficiency, Service Delivery

The Gombe State Executive Council (SEC), presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has approved over 6.5 billion Naira for the execution of key infrastructure projects cutting across various sectos such as governance, education, security and emergency services.

Briefing journalists shortly after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mijinyawa Ardo Tilde, said the Council also approved the 2026 Budget Proposal and the establishment of the State Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge Steering Committee to strengthen efficiency, accountability and service delivery in the state’s primary healthcare system.

Shedding more light on the budget deliberations, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Salihu Baba Alkali, said the Council approved the draft 2026 budget for presentation to the Gombe State House of Assembly on Thursday.

He explained that the proposal followed a series of citizens’ engagements and consultations, which were conducted to ensure that the people’s priorities were captured in the fiscal plan.

“The draft budget reflects the collective aspirations of our citizens, in line with the vision and leadership style of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. It also incorporates deliberations and inputs from Council members to align government spending with development needs,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, announced the establishment of the Gombe State Leadership Challenge Steering Committee to improve leadership efficiency and accountability in the primary healthcare system.

He recalled that Gombe State emerged in 2024 as the  most innovative state and second-best in the National Leadership Challenge Initiative, earning a $400,000 grant (Four Hundred Thousand Dollars).

“This committee will strengthen our health governance structure and further position Gombe to achieve greater efficiency and better service delivery from the grassroots to the state level,” Dr. Dahiru explained.

On his part, the Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transportation, Engr. Usman Maijama’a Kallamu, disclosed that the Council approved 1.337 billion Naira for the construction of a new Deputy Governor’s Office, to be sited adjacent to the Government House, at the Old Gombe Jewel Suites.

He added that approval was also granted for 3.515 billion naira for the completion of five Mega Colleges across the state.

“The earlier approval of 3 billion Naira in 2020 was reviewed upward due to design modifications, expansion to accommodate more students, and inflationary trends,” he clarified.

To provide a befitting fire service facility and enhance the state’s readiness for emergency response and disaster management, the SEC approved 1.275 billion Naira for the construction of a modern, fully equipped Gombe State Fire Service Headquarters.

Engr. Kallamu explained that the new Fire Service Complex will provide a permanent and well-equipped facility for the state’s fire officers, who have been operating from temporary locations for years.

“The establishment of a befitting Fire Service Headquarters will enhance emergency response, safeguard lives and property, and boost overall urban safety,” he said.

Also, 461.8 million Naira was approved for the construction of a new Divisional Police Station in Shehu Abubakar District, redesigned and upgraded with modern amenities as part of the administration’s urban planning model.

Also speaking, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Zubair Muhammad Umar, said the Council deliberated extensively on recent incidents threatening the cordial relationship between security agencies and members of the public.

He noted that Gombe remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, attributing this to the government’s proactive approach to peace and security. However, he expressed concern over reports of herder-farmer breach of some guideline on farmlands, as well as attacks on security personnel by some individuals.

“His Excellency will not fold his arms while security agents are harassed or intimidated in the course of their lawful duties,” Umar stated.

“We call on citizens to continue to cooperate with security agencies and government officials to preserve the hard-earned reputation of Gombe as one of the most peaceful states in the region and the country”, the Attorney General noted.