Analysis of Adamawa State’s 2026 Budget Speech: Promise, Priorities and the People

In a pivotal address to the Adamawa State House of Assembly, His Excellency Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri unveiled the 2026 Appropriation Bill – a blueprint that aspires not just to balance the books, but to transform the lives of Adamawa’s citizens. This year’s budget speech stands as both a constitutional duty and a testament to democratic ideals, charting a course for inclusive growth, innovation, and resilience in the face of economic challenges.

The Governor commenced his speech by anchoring the budget process in the legal bedrock of Section 121 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), reinforcing its legitimacy and the principles of transparency and accountability that undergird the democratic process.

By highlighting robust collaboration with the State House of Assembly, the executive council, ministries, agencies, and grassroots representatives, the governor underscored a participatory approach – ensuring that the state’s fiscal strategy reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of its people.

The “8-Point Agenda” serves as the guiding star, promising that no community is overlooked and no challenge ignored. Critical to understanding the 2026 budget is a candid appraisal of the previous year’s performance.

The 2025 budget, initially pegged at ₦486.2 billion and later revised to ₦621.3 billion, showcased the administration’s agility in responding to evolving needs. However, by September 2025, only ₦235.3 billion -just 37.9% of the revised figure – had been realized, with statutory allocations forming the backbone and internally generated revenue (IGR) falling short of targets. Capital receipts, including grants and loans, contributed a modest 7.2% to the revenue mix.

On the spending side, ₦189.5 billion, or 30.5% of the revised budget, was disbursed by the third quarter. Major outlays included personnel costs, overheads, and a commendable commitment to capital development, even within constrained fiscal space. Notably, social and economic initiatives like the Fintiri Business Wallet empowered over 60,000 women and youth, with ambitions to reach 140,000 beneficiaries and potentially lift 700,000 people out of poverty. Salary reforms, pension payments, and investments in infrastructure, health, and education further spoke to the administration’s inclusive growth agenda.

Against this backdrop, the 2026 budget adopts a more conservative, “economically realistic” stance, totaling ₦583.3 billion – down from the previous year’s revised figure. This recalibration reflects cautious optimism, informed by revenue projections and prevailing macroeconomic headwinds. Revenue Breakdown

* Statutory Allocation: ₦135.1 billion (23.16%) * Share of VAT: ₦106.4 billion (18.23%) * National LNG: ₦125.1 billion (21.45%) * Independent Revenue: ₦35.8 billion (6.14%) * Capital Receipts (Grants/Loans): ₦71.2 billion (12.2%) * Other Sources: Including excess non-oil, exchange rate gains, ecological funds, and signature bonuses Expenditure Priorities * Personnel: ₦104.2 billion (17.8%) * Overhead: ₦105.4 billion (18.1%) * Capital Expenditure: ₦373.7 billion (64.1%), signaling a resounding focus on infrastructure and development.

Major Ministerial Allocations

Sector Allocation (₦) Works & Energy Development 120,862,306,430 Education & Human Capital Development 40,630,030,757 Health & Human Services 31,929,772,168 Housing & Urban Development 27,019,748,900 Commerce 20,224,285,090 Youth & Sports 18,419,026,080 Poverty Alleviation Agency 8,000,000,000 Adamawa State University Mubi 14,600,000,000 Adamawa State Contributory Health Agency 5,096,000,000

Adamawa’s 2026 budget is not merely about numbers – it is about embedding innovation and trust in governance. The adoption of e-budgeting, digital procurement, and e-government solutions marks a bold step towards greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public financial management. By aligning with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), the state is institutionalizing global best practices.

Debt management strides are equally notable, with more than half of the state’s prior debt repaid and the retention of a strong BBB+ investment rating among Nigerian subnational governments. Efforts to bolster local governance, traditional institutions, and dispute resolution mechanisms further reinforce social cohesion – a prerequisite for investment and sustainable development.

Impact on the Citizenry: What Lies Ahead? * Poverty Reduction & Welfare: Expansion of empowerment programs for women and youth, aiming to reach 140,000 direct beneficiaries and touch 700,000 lives, alongside broader social safety nets and enhanced access to small business capital.

* Education & Health: Substantial investments promise new schools, overseas scholarships through the “Fintiri Wings” initiative, hospital upgrades, and expanded health insurance coverage—laying the groundwork for a more educated and healthier populace.

* Job Creation: Infrastructure projects and entrepreneurial support are poised to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities, spurring economic dynamism.

* Infrastructure & Economic Growth: A wave of investments in roads, marketplaces, electrification, and housing is set to unlock new economic activities, boost commerce, and elevate living standards across urban and rural communities.

* Good Governance & Stability: Ongoing civil service reforms, fiscal discipline, and institutional strengthening are expected to ensure continuity and reliability in public service delivery.

Yet, obstacles linger on the horizon. Persistent shortfalls in revenue realization – both from statutory sources and IGR – pose significant risks. Macroeconomic volatility, including inflation and exchange rate swings, could undermine the state’s ability to deliver on its ambitious capital projects. The speed and success of digital reforms will depend on the readiness of ministries, departments, and agencies, while the reliance on federal allocations renders the budget susceptible to national economic shocks.

The Adamawa State 2026 budget is, at its core, a statement of intent – fusing vision with pragmatism. With its strong focus on infrastructure, youth and women’s empowerment, education, health, and governance reforms, the blueprint aspires to build an Adamawa where every citizen shares in progress. The administration’s emphasis on consultation, transparency, and innovation sets a promising tone for the future, but the true test will lie in robust revenue generation, prudent fiscal management, and an unwavering commitment to implementation.

If these ambitions are realized, the 2026 budget could prove transformative – not only uplifting the social and economic well-being of Adamawa’s people, but also offering a model of participatory, accountable governance for the rest of Nigeria.

Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5 million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25 million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, click here to find out how it works.

Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.