Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has signed into law the N617.95 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill, tagged the “Budget of Consolidation,” reaffirming his administration’s commitment to people-focused development and sustained security interventions.
The signing ceremony took place on Monday at the Council Chamber of the Government House, Gombe, following the formal presentation of the budget by the Gombe State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo.
A breakdown of the budget shows that N189 billion, representing 21.6 per cent, is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while N428.5 billion, or 69.4 per cent, is allocated to capital projects, underscoring the government’s emphasis on infrastructure development, service delivery and long-term economic growth.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya had initially presented a N535.69 billion budget proposal to the Assembly. However, after legislative review and adjustments, lawmakers approved an increase of over N82 billion, bringing the total budget size to N617.95 billion.
A major highlight of the 2026 budget is the allocation of N12 billion to the Northern Security Fund, translating to a N1 billion monthly contribution.
The move aligns with resolutions of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and positions Gombe State at the forefront of collective efforts to address insecurity through consistent and practical funding.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to safeguard lives and property, complete ongoing legacy projects and deliver inclusive development across urban and rural communities.
He said the budget prioritises critical sectors such as health, education, social investment, environmental protection and mineral resources development, with a special allocation made for the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities (GSCPWD).
“This administration remains fully committed to responding to the needs and aspirations of our people with a budget that is realistic, responsible and centred on the citizen,” Yahaya said.
Reflecting on his administration’s performance, the Governor noted that no sector of the state’s economy had been neglected, adding that the impact of government interventions was evident across health, education, infrastructure and social support.
He commended the House of Assembly for what he described as a thorough, people-oriented review of the budget and assured that the government would sustain its culture of fiscal discipline, noting that budget implementation under his leadership has consistently exceeded 70 per cent.
The Governor also praised lawmakers for their unity and diligence throughout the budget process, citing their full attendance during the presentation of estimates as a sign of strong cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for continued support to Gombe State through various development programmes and appealed for increased interventions in the coming year.
“We started with work. We are still working. And by the grace of God, we will end with more work,” he said.
Earlier, Speaker Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo said the Assembly received the 2026 budget proposal on Nov. 13, 2025, and subjected it to rigorous scrutiny, including an extended session of the Appropriation Committee held in Calabar, Cross River State.
According to him, the additional inputs from the exercise informed the modest upward adjustments made in the overall budget size.
The Speaker lauded Governor Inuwa Yahaya for the numerous development projects across the state, particularly in health and education, recalling that a recent health summit organised by the state government attracted global experts who acknowledged Gombe’s steady progress in healthcare delivery.
He said the Assembly’s amendments to the budget were made in good faith and in the best interest of the people, while also appreciating the Governor for fostering a healthy working relationship among the arms of government and for providing logistics that have enhanced legislative efficiency.
