Bauchi Governor Presents ₦878.2 Billion 2026 Budget Proposal to State Assembly

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, on Thursday presented the sum of ₦878,252,907,000 as the budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.

Tagged “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability,” the governor explained that the proposed 2026 budget comprises a recurrent expenditure of ₦310,686,691,261 (representing 35%) and a capital expenditure of ₦567,466,216,630 (representing 65%).

Governor Mohammed stated that the 2026 budget is 41% higher than the 2025 budget, reflecting increased revenue expected from ongoing reforms and the anticipated rise in prices as a result of tax reforms to be implemented from January 2026.

“This implies higher costs for executing our projects and programmes. We have adopted a conservative approach to ensure that projects and programmes captured are appropriately costed and realistically implementable,” he said.

He added that the preparation of the budget was inclusive and participatory, involving consultations with all stakeholders.

“As at 30 September 2025, we have achieved 79.1% implementation of the 2025 budget. With the continued execution of targeted projects and programmes in the last quarter, we remain optimistic of attaining 85% performance by the end of the fiscal year.”

The governor noted that the 2026 budget was prepared based on the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, in compliance with the State Fiscal Responsibility Law 2009 and the National Budget Format, aimed at improving the quality of financial reporting in line with international public sector accounting standards.

He said the budget assumptions are based on an oil production projection of 1.6 million barrels per day, a benchmark oil price of $68 per barrel, and an exchange rate of ₦1,440 to the US dollar, alongside improved revenue inflows into the Federation Account and a more efficient system of internally generated revenue by the state.

According to him, the government has taken into consideration the completion of ongoing projects and is proposing new projects only on the basis of critical needs and their immediate impact. He also highlighted priorities such as strengthening the health sector, implementing the contributory pension scheme, complying with Nigeria Governors’ Forum budget guidelines, honoring debt service obligations, and exploring favourable capital financing sources and public-private partnerships.

Receiving the budget, the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suleiman Abubakar, described it as well presented and articulated.

He noted that the strong relationship between the executive and the legislature over the past six years has remained the foundation for transparent governance and meaningful development in the state.

The Speaker commended the governor for the timely presentation of the 2026 budget, saying it would give lawmakers adequate time to prepare and pass it into law.

“Timely budget presentation signifies governance with foresight, enabling a well-structured process of oversight, public engagement, and eventual implementation that aligns with our development agenda,” he said.

“Having listened to His Excellency’s presentation, you will agree with me that the 2026 budget is designed to be more than mere numbers on a page. It translates public hopes into concrete funding decisions, ensuring that every kobo advances what people truly value in their lives.”

He emphasized that the budget recognizes the need for accessible opportunities for all, through quality education, improved rural and urban roads, affordable healthcare, stable employment, safe neighborhoods, and a clean and resilient environment.

Describing the proposal as “a budget of the people of Bauchi State, by the people of Bauchi State,” the Speaker praised the government for achieving 79% performance in the 2025 budget, saying such results build confidence among citizens and stakeholders.

He added that as students of the governor’s leadership and political culture, lawmakers continue to learn valuable lessons from his participatory approach to governance.

The Speaker urged commissioners, heads of MDAs, and other officials to consider the lawmakers as partners in progress and to maintain collaboration during the budget defence and implementation phases. This, he said, would help ensure alignment with the state’s policy framework, popularly known as the My Bauchi Project.

“Let us work together to deliver on the expectations of the people. After the passage and assent of the bill by His Excellency, we affirm our readiness to undertake periodic oversight during implementation. We are eager to ensure that allocated resources reflect what is being executed on the ground,” he said.