Gov Yahaya Presents N535.7 Billion 2026 Budget

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, on Thursday, presented a N535.7 billion 2026 budget proposal to the state’s House of Assembly.

Governor Yahaya said the budget, tagged “Budget of Consolidation,” is designed to sustain ongoing development efforts, deepen infrastructure renewal, strengthen human capital, and institutionalise a legacy of impactful governance across the state.

“The 2026 Budget is strategically aligned with both our Development Agenda for Gombe State (DEVAGOM) and the broader national economic landscape. It is a budget that prioritizes the pressing needs of our people while firmly anchoring our development trajectory on the pillars of sustainability, equity, and inclusive growth. It reflects our commitment to harnessing our tremendous potentials in order to propel Gombe State towards a more prosperous and secure future.”

The proposed budget allocated N371.4 billion, representing 69.34 percent, to capital projects, while N164.25 billion, or 30.66 percent, is set aside for recurrent expenditure.

The governor explained that the budget seeks to consolidate achievements recorded since 2019, particularly in roads, energy, health, education, and agriculture, and to align Gombe’s development plan with the ongoing national economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the macroeconomy.

A significant portion of the proposed expenditure will go to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, which received N135.9 billion to fund ongoing and new road projects under the administration’s “Network 11-100” initiative.

The governor said more than 1,000 kilometres of roads have been constructed across the 11 local government areas since 2019. The water and environment sector followed closely with N88.4 billion earmarked for regional water supply expansion, small-town schemes, and borehole rehabilitation.

The education sector will receive a combined N49.47 billion, with N31.95 billion for basic education and ₦17.52 billion for higher education.

Agriculture and agro-industrialisation got N20.57 billion to support input distribution, mechanization, and the development of the 180-hectare Agro-Livestock Development Zone in the state.

Reviewing the performance of the 2025 budget, the governor said the original N369.9 billion estimate was revised upward to N451.6 billion through a supplementary appropriation following stronger-than-expected revenues.

The 2026 budget, according to the governor, will be financed through an opening balance of N100 billion, a transfer of N251.85 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to the Capital Development Fund, N186.7 billion in external credit, and a mix of domestic and external grants and borrowings, adding that N21 billion is earmarked for debt repayment during the fiscal year.

Yahaya emphasized that the budget reflects his administration’s determination to consolidate progress in infrastructure, education, health, and social development while promoting fiscal responsibility, calling on the legislature to carefully examine and enrich the proposal ahead of passage and urged citizens to remain patient and confident in the state’s development trajectory.