— Focus on Economic Growth, Infrastructure, and Improved Healthcare
By: Abdullahi Inuwa
Yobe State Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni, on Thursday presented a budget proposal of ₦515.583 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to the Yobe State House of Assembly, with a strong focus on stimulating economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing social services across the state.
The 2026 financial proposal, aptly tagged the “Budget of Economic Growth and Infrastructural Transformation,” marks a significant increase of nearly ₦195 billion from the ₦320.811 billion budget of the outgoing 2025 fiscal year.
Governor Buni, who presented the budget before the Assembly members in Damaturu, said the new fiscal plan was carefully designed to consolidate the gains of previous years while accelerating socio-economic recovery and infrastructural renewal across Yobe State.
The Governor explained that out of the total proposed sum of ₦515,583,000,000, the government earmarked ₦192.128 billion, representing 37.3%, for recurrent expenditure, while ₦323.455 billion, representing 62.7%, is dedicated to capital expenditure.
According to him, the budget would be deployed to service capital projects, recurrent obligations, personnel costs, and overheads, all aimed at sustaining the administration’s ongoing reforms and people-centered development agenda.
“The 2026 budget is strategically designed to accelerate growth through infrastructure and human capital investment,” Buni stated. “It reflects our collective determination to improve the living standards of our people, promote economic resilience, and ensure sustainable development across all sectors.”
Highlighting key areas of focus, Governor Buni noted that the government will channel substantial resources toward healthcare delivery, education, agriculture, and infrastructural development, including roads, electricity, and water supply projects.
He recounted that the outgoing year recorded remarkable progress in these sectors, citing the expansion of educational facilities, ongoing rehabilitation of health centers, and the construction of rural and urban roads linking key communities across the state.
“Our achievements in the outgoing year have set a solid foundation upon which we shall build in 2026,” Buni emphasized. “We are determined to sustain our investments in critical sectors that have direct impact on the wellbeing of our citizens.”
In the health sector, the Governor announced plans to establish a Dialysis Center in Gashua, aimed at providing much-needed succour to kidney patients within Yobe and neighboring states.
“Health is wealth, and our people deserve access to modern medical facilities within their reach,” the Governor said. “The proposed Dialysis Center in Gashua will save lives and reduce the burden of travelling long distances for specialized treatment.”
He further disclosed that the state government would construct a new General Hospital in Potiskum to decongest the Yobe State Specialist Hospital, which currently serves a high volume of patients from across the region.
“These interventions are part of our commitment to making quality healthcare affordable and accessible to all,” Buni added.
Governor Buni reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to prioritize infrastructure as a catalyst for economic transformation. He outlined plans to scale up investments in road networks, energy, and water supply systems, which he described as the backbone of industrial and agricultural growth.
He said the state government would continue to improve the quality of road construction and maintenance to ensure rural connectivity, boost trade, and ease transportation of goods and services.
“Infrastructure is a critical driver of economic growth,” Buni asserted. “We are determined to open up more communities through quality roads, improve power supply, and enhance access to clean water for domestic and agricultural use.”
Education remains another top priority for the Yobe government. The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining investments in both basic and tertiary education, with emphasis on teacher training, renovation of schools, and provision of modern learning facilities.
He acknowledged the role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and driving long-term economic growth, promising continued attention to improving educational outcomes across the state.
“Our children are the future of this state,” Buni said. “We will continue to invest in their education, equip our schools, and motivate our teachers to deliver quality learning that prepares our youths for the challenges of tomorrow.”
On agriculture, Governor Buni pledged continued support to farmers through improved access to inputs, credit facilities, and irrigation infrastructure to boost productivity and food security.
He noted that Yobe State remains committed to diversifying its economy and reducing dependence on federal allocations by promoting agribusiness and local entrepreneurship.
“We are investing in irrigation schemes, modern farming techniques, and value chain development to ensure agriculture remains the mainstay of our economy,” the Governor said.
Lawmakers at the presentation session commended Governor Buni’s leadership and fiscal discipline, describing the 2026 budget proposal as realistic, inclusive, and development-driven.
The Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly assured that the legislative arm would give the proposal accelerated consideration to ensure timely passage and implementation.
Conclusion
Governor Buni concluded his presentation by calling on all stakeholders—civil servants, traditional institutions, private sector players, and development partners—to support the government’s efforts toward achieving the 2026 vision of economic growth and infrastructural transformation.
“This budget is a product of our shared aspirations,” he said. “Together, we can transform Yobe into a model of progress, resilience, and prosperity.”
Abdullahi Inuwa Social Commentator ainuwa303@gmail.com
