Nasarawa, Gombe govs sign 2026 budgets

From Abubakar Abdullahi (Lafia) & Haruna Gimba Yaya (Gombe)

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has signed the N545,182 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law.

The budget, christened “Budget of Strategic Consolidation,” was originally proposed at N571.5 billion before it was reviewed by the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, with adjustments made to strengthen the state’s security architecture.

Signing the bill into law, Governor Sule expressed appreciation to members of the House of Assembly for the prompt consideration and passage of the budget.

He said the 2026 fiscal plan is anchored on key macroeconomic assumptions, including an oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel, daily oil production of 1.7 million barrels, and an exchange rate of N1,500 to the dollar.

The governor assured residents that the administration would implement the budget strictly, with priority given to education, health, agriculture, security, and infrastructure development.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

“The signing into law of this budget today will actually afford us once again the opportunity to commence the constitutional 12-month budget cycle implementation from the 1st of January to the 31st of December 2026,” Sule said.

He added, “I have no doubt that we will continue to work together more closely towards the realization of our common goals and the execution of projects, programmes and policies that have direct bearing on the lives of our people.”

Governor Sule also called on stakeholders across the state to recommit themselves to building a peaceful, prosperous, and united Nasarawa State where citizens can fully realize their potential.

Earlier, the governor condoled with the Aren Eggon and the entire Eggon nation over the tragic accident at the recent Eggon Carnival, which claimed four lives and left several others injured.

He said he had observed prayers for the deceased and prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls, while also wishing those injured a speedy recovery.

Also, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State signed the state’s 2026 Appropriation Bill, signalling the implementation of the N617.95 billion “Budget of Consolidation.”

The signing ceremony took place at the Council Chamber of the Government House, following the formal presentation of the Appropriation Bill as passed by the Gombe State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo.

The 2026 budget makes provision for N189 billion as recurrent expenditure, accounting for 21.6 per cent, while N428.5 billion, representing 69.4 per cent, is devoted to capital projects.

Governor Yahaya had on November 13, presented a N535.69 billion budget proposal to the House. After a legislative review, the Assembly approved an upward adjustment of over N82 billion, bringing the total budget size to N617.95 billion.

Daily Trust reports that a key feature of the budget is the allocation of N12 billion for the regional security fund, translating to a N1 billion monthly contribution, in line with resolutions of the Northern States Governors’ Forum.

A move that reportedly places the state at the forefront of collective efforts by northern states to confront insecurity through practical and sustained funding.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor Yahaya reiterated his administration’s commitment to the safety of lives and property, the completion of ongoing legacy projects, and the delivery of people-focused development across both urban and rural communities.

He explained that the 2026 budget prioritises critical sectors such as health, education, social investment, environmental protection, mineral resources development, and includes a special allocation for the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities (GSCPWD).

“This administration remains fully committed to responding to the needs and aspirations of our people with a budget that is realistic, responsible and centred on the citizens,” he said.

The governor thanked the Assembly for what he described as a thoughtful and people-oriented review of the budget, assuring that the government would maintain the fiscal discipline it is known for.

According to him, budget implementation under his leadership has consistently exceeded 70 per cent.

He also commended the lawmakers for their unity and seriousness during the budget process, describing their full attendance at the presentation of the estimates as a strong sign of mutual respect and cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government.

Governor Yahaya expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for their continued support to Gombe State through various development programmes, while appealing for even more interventions in the year ahead.

Earlier, Speaker Abubakar Luggerewo, said the lawmakers subjected the budget to detailed scrutiny, and held an extended session of the Appropriation Committee in Calabar, Cross River State, to enrich the document with additional inputs, leading to modest upward adjustments.

He said the Assembly’s adjustments to the budget were made in good faith and in the best interest of the people.

Luggerewo also appreciated Governor Yahaya for ensuring a “healthy working” relationship among the arms of government and for providing the legislature with vehicles and other logistics that have improved their efficiency.

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