Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed, on Thursday presented a ₦878,252,907,000 budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.
Tagged “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability,” the proposed budget comprises a recurrent expenditure of ₦310,686,691,261 (35%) and a capital expenditure of ₦567,466,216,630 (65%).
Governor Mohammed noted that the 2026 budget is 41% higher than the 2025 budget, reflecting increased revenue from ongoing reforms and anticipated price adjustments from tax reforms effective January 2026.
“This implies higher costs for executing our projects and programmes. We have adopted a conservative approach to ensure that projects and programmes are properly costed and realistically implementable,” he said.
The governor said that the budget preparation was inclusive and participatory, involving consultations with all stakeholders.
“As at 30 September 2025, we achieved 79.1% implementation of the 2025 budget. With continued execution of targeted projects in the last quarter, we remain optimistic of reaching 85% performance by year-end,” he added.
The governor explained that the 2026 budget was prepared under the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, in compliance with the State Fiscal Responsibility Law 2009 and the National Budget Format, aimed at improving financial reporting in line with international public sector accounting standards.
DAILY POST reports that the budget assumptions include oil production 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 for internally generated revenue.
Governor Mohammed said the government considered the completion of ongoing projects and proposed new projects only based on critical needs and immediate impact.
He outlined key priorities, including strengthening the health sector, implementing the contributory pension scheme, honoring debt obligations, complying with Nigeria Governors’ Forum budget guidelines, and exploring capital financing and public-private partnerships.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the State Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, commended the governor for the timely presentation of the 2026 budget, saying it allows lawmakers sufficient time for review and passage into law.
“Timely budget presentation signifies governance with foresight, enabling effective oversight, public engagement, and implementation aligned with our development agenda,” he said.
He added that the budget translates public hopes into concrete funding decisions, ensuring every kobo supports what people value most, including quality education, improved rural and urban roads, affordable healthcare, stable employment, safe neighbourhoods, and a clean, resilient environment.
Describing the proposal as “a budget of the people, by the people,” the Speaker commended the government for achieving 79% performance in the 2025 budget, noting that such results build confidence among citizens and stakeholders.
He urged commissioners, heads of MDAs, and officials to view lawmakers as partners in progress and maintain collaboration during budget defense and implementation to ensure alignment with the state’s policy framework.