Bala Mohammed signs ₦877bn Bauchi 2026 budget into law

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Wednesday, signed the ₦877 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, following its passage by the State House of Assembly.

DAILY POST recalls that the governor had on November 27, 2025, presented a ₦878.15 billion budget proposal to the Assembly, which was subjected to detailed legislative scrutiny, resulting in a marginal downward review of about ₦1.1 billion.

Commending the House for what he described as a robust, objective and non-partisan review process, Mohammed said the reduction was achieved through modest adjustments in recurrent expenditure without affecting capital allocations.

According to him, the exercise underscored fiscal discipline, institutional independence and the shared resolve of both arms of government to safeguard public interest while prioritising effective service delivery.

The governor expressed appreciation for the sustained cooperation between the Executive and Legislature since 2019, also praising opposition lawmakers for what he termed their constructive engagement and commitment to governance over partisan interests.

Mohammed said the 2026 Budget, themed “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability,” builds on the administration’s achievements over the past six years, including expanded access to social services, improved infrastructure, and reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, accountability and citizens’ quality of life.

He disclosed that about 79 per cent of the 2025 Budget had been implemented, describing the performance as one of the highest in the country.

The governor assured that the 2026 fiscal plan would sustain investments in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, commerce, security and social services, while ensuring balanced development across the state.

Describing the 2026 budget as the final full-cycle budget of his two-term administration, Mohammed directed members of the State Executive Council and all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure its full, faithful and timely implementation.

Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Assembly,Abubakar Sulaiman, said the 2026 Appropriation Law emerged from an inclusive and transparent process that involved budget defence sessions, stakeholder engagements and rigorous committee oversight.

He explained that lawmakers reviewed revenue projections as well as recurrent and capital expenditures, with priority given to key sectors including transportation, security, infrastructure and social welfare.

The Speaker noted that concerns over the realism of Internally Generated Revenue projections—particularly in light of anticipated federal tax reforms necessitated the slight downward adjustment of the budget size.

He also outlined key recommendations by the House to enhance implementation, including strict adherence to fiscal responsibility laws, capacity building for MDAs, sanctions against extra-budgetary spending, timely release of funds, and strengthened audit and procurement frameworks.