Capital expenditure tops with at 69.34%, education, health, works get priority as Gombe Governor presents N535b 2026 budget

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By Akanji Alowolodu, Gombe

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Thursday, presented the sum of N535, 691,983, 000 budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly for consideration and passage.

While presenting the fiscal document before the lawmakers, the Governor explained that N164.25 billion representing 30.66% was allocated for recurrent expenditure, while N371.44 billion representing 69.34% was earmarked for capital projects, underscoring his government’s focus on long-term investment and infrastructure-driven growth.

The budget, christened the “Budget of Consolidation,” according to the Governor, was designed to consolidate recent gains and sustain the state’s steady development trajectory and ensure that the state’s fiscal policies translate directly into tangible and lasting improvements in the lives of citizens.

Inuwa Yahaya disclosed that the 2026 budget would be funded through multiple revenue streams, including: Internally Generated Revenue, statutory allocation, government share of VAT and other FAAC Receipts.

Highlighting the sectoral priorities, the Governor stated that the economic growth and social development received the largest share of the budget, with over 269 billion Naira allocated to drive investments in key productive areas.

The Works, Housing & Transport subsector leads with N135.9 billion, water, environment & Forest resources were alocated N88.4 billion, while Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Cooperatives received N20.57 billion.

In the Social Sector, N80 billion was earmarked to strengthen human capital development, where Education and Higher Education received N31.9 billion and N17.5 billion respectively.

The Health sector got N25.9 billion, reflecting the government’s sustained investment in accessible and quality healthcare delivery.

General Administration is taking N19.63 billion, and the Law and Justice Sector allotted N2.17 billion, Land Administration, N6.46 billion; and Trade, Industry and Tourism, N4.02 billion.

While Youths and Sports Development, N3.33 billion; Women Affairs and Social Development, N1.28 billion; and Information and Culture, N10.38 billion.

Describing the 2026 fiscal estimates as a continuation of his administration’s legacy of good governance, Inuwa Yahaya called on the Assembly to scrutinize and enrich the proposal with their legislative inputs.

“The task before us is to give our people a budget that truly reflects their hopes and secures their future,” he stated.

The Governor also said the 2026 Budget of Consolidation represents his administration’s determination to keep Gombe on an irreversible path of growth and good governance as it enters its final phase.

According to him, “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”.

Reflectingon the broader economic context, the Governor said the ongoing national reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalization, are beginning to yield tangible results.

“We are witnessing a steadying Naira, lower inflationary pressures, and increased federation inflows as signs of recovery,” he noted.

“As the economic tide turns, we foresee a period of accelerated growth and prosperity for both Gombe State and Nigeria at large. I urge our citizens to remain patient and confident”, the Governor added.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Abubakar Luggerewo, commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his administration’s consistency in upholding fiscal discipline, transparency and prudence in public finance management.

“Your Excellency, we assure you that we will do the needful in good time to allow you to execute policies, programmes and projects that will better the lives of our constituents,” the Speaker pledged.

He assured of timely consideration and speedy passage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

Rt. Hon. Luggerewo also expressed satisfaction with the state’s fiscal performance, noting that the 2025 budget achieved over 60% performance by September, and commended the government’s record in infrastructure, healthcare, education, industrialization, and urban renewal.

“We will continue to support policies and initiatives that sustain peace, promote economic growth and improve the living standards of our people,” the Speaker noted.

In the previous year, the Inuwa-led administration budgeted over N369.9 billion, which was later revised upward to N451.6 billion following higher-than-expected revenue inflows and has so far achieved a remarkable implementation rate.