Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, on Thursday, proposed N861.3 billion as the 2026 budget to the State House of Assembly for consideration and passage.
Mr Lawal, while presenting the appropriation bill, said the amount comprised N714.05 billion capital expenditure, while recurrent expenditure would gulp N147.2 billion.
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According to him, the proposed N861 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year serves as a roadmap for transformation and a declaration that Zamfara will rise stronger.
“The 2026 proposal with a capital expenditure of N714.05 billion represents 83 per cent of the budget, while the recurrent expenditure of N147.27 represents 17 per cent of the budget.
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“The budget proposal allocates N65 billion for education, N87 billion for health, N86 billion for agriculture, N45 billion for public order and safety, N22 billion for environmental protection, and N17 billion for social protection,” he said.
Mr Lawal reiterated that as a government elected on the promise of rescue, reform, and revival, his administration had worked tirelessly to restore trust in public institutions, rebuild critical sectors, and lay a strong foundation for sustainable progress.
He said: “The people of Zamfara, who once despaired under neglect, now see visible light, progress, accountability, and renewed direction. The 2026 Budget of Stability and Growth represents the next chapter in this journey.
“It is not merely a financial plan; it is a political commitment to entrench stability in governance and accelerate the growth our citizens yearned for, for it is crafted to deepen the gains achieved through our Six-Point Rescue Agenda.
“These include strengthening the security architecture, modernising agriculture for food security and prosperity, upgrading the healthcare system for every community, expanding access to quality education, accelerating infrastructural renewal, and empowering our youth, women and vulnerable population.
“This budget prioritises inclusive development so that no ward, village, or community is left behind.
“Mr Speaker, the 2026 Budget of Stability and Growth proposal reflects a politically strategic shift that aligns with the administration’s rescue agenda under my leadership.”
He said the 2026 recurrent expenditure proposal of N147.27 takes 17 per cent of the proposed budget.
“It clearly demonstrates fiscal discipline and a responsible approach to public spending. It has ensured that personnel costs and other operational obligations are met without compromising our broader developmental agenda.
“When compared with the international public finance standard, which recommends that sub-national governments’ recurrent spending remains at or below 60 per cent of the total expenditure, Zamfara stands well within the acceptable boundaries,” Mr Lawal stated.
This, he noted, was evidence that financial management was not only improving but also aligned with global benchmarks of responsible governance.
“Honourable Members, the heart of this budget, and indeed the heart of the rescue mission, is our Capital Expenditure Plan.
“The 2026 proposal of N714.05, which is 83 per cent of the budget, marks a historic commitment to rebuilding infrastructure, strengthening security, revitalising agriculture, and expanding opportunities for our youth,” he said.
Mr Lawal further emphasised that none of the ambitious reforms in security, education, agriculture, infrastructure, civil service and economic revitalisation would be achieved without political will, the unwavering commitment of the government, and the patriotic cooperation of the state assembly.
“Political will is the courage to make difficult decisions today for the sake of a better tomorrow; it is the strength to remain focused on the collective interest, even when distractions abound.
“Your continued support, understanding, and legislative partnership have been invaluable in advancing the rescue mission.
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“Together, we have laid the foundation for a prosperous, secure, and progressive Zamfara,” Mr Lawal said.
He said it was in the spirit of shared responsibility and collective resolve that he submitted to the House a budget proposal of N861.337 billion for careful consideration and approval.
“This budget is more than figures, it is a roadmap for transformation, a contract with the people, and a declaration that Zamfara will rise stronger, more united, and more determined than ever before,” Lawal added.
(NAN)
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