From Abdullahi Abdulrahaman Chakwa, Gusau

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has presented an N861 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year before the state House of Assembly.

The governor said the budget will serves as a roadmap for transformation and a declaration that Zamfara will rise stronger.

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The budget proposal was presented to the Zamfara State House of Assembly on Thursday in Gusau.

The 2026 proposal has a capital expenditure of N714 billion, which accounts for 83% of the budget, and a recurrent expenditure of 147,279,945,000.00, which accounts for 17% of the budget.

In his remarks at the presentation, Governor Lawal reiterated that as a government elected on the promise of rescue, reform, and revival, his administration has 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 State, 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 yearn for, for it is crafted to deepen the gains achieved through our Six-Point Rescue Agenda; strengthening the security architecture, moderninzing 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 populations. This Budget prioritizes 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. Our 2026 recurrent expenditure proposal of One Hundred and Forty Seven Billion Two Hundred and Seventy Nine Million Nine Hundred and Forty Five Thousand takes 17% 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 subnational governments’ recurrent spending remains at or below 60% of the total expenditure, Zamfara stands well within the acceptable boundaries. This is evidence that our financial management is 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 Seven Hundred and Fourteen Billion Naira (which is 83% of the budget) marks a historic commitment to rebuilding infrastructure, strengthening security, revitalizing agriculture, and expanding opportunities for our youth.”