Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has signed into law the 2026 Appropriation Bill, approving a total budget of N617.95 billion, christened the “Budget of Consolidation.”
The signing followed the formal presentation of the bill by the Gombe State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Honourable Abubakar Luggerewo, after its passage by lawmakers.
Under the approved budget, 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.
This, according to the government, underscores the administration’s continued emphasis on infrastructure development, improved service delivery and sustainable economic growth.
Governor Yahaya had initially presented a budget proposal of N535.69 billion to the House. However, following legislative scrutiny, the Assembly approved an upward review of over N82 billion, bringing the final figure to N617.95 billion.
A notable feature of the 2026 budget is the provision of N12 billion for the regional security fund, representing a N1 billion monthly contribution in line with resolutions of the Northern States Governors’ Forum.
The allocation positions Gombe State among the leading northern states taking concrete and sustained steps to address regional security challenges.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, completing ongoing legacy projects and delivering people oriented development across both urban and rural areas of the state.
According to the governor, the budget prioritises key sectors including health, education, social investment, environmental protection and mineral resources development, with a special allocation for the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, GSCPWD.
“This administration remains fully committed to addressing the needs and aspirations of our people through a budget that is realistic, responsible and centred on the citizen,” he said.
Reflecting on his stewardship, Governor Yahaya noted that no sector of the state’s economy had been neglected since he assumed office.
“In the history of Gombe State, no government has touched the lives of the people across so many sectors like this one. From health and education to infrastructure and social support, the impact is visible,” he stated.
The governor commended the House of Assembly for what he described as a thoughtful and people focused review of the budget, assuring that the government would sustain the fiscal discipline for which it is known. He disclosed that budget implementation under his leadership has consistently exceeded 70 per cent.
Governor Yahaya also praised lawmakers for their unity and diligence during the budget process, describing their full attendance at the budget presentation as a reflection of the strong working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government.
He further expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for ongoing support to Gombe State through various development programmes, while appealing 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, the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Mr. Abubakar Luggerewo, disclosed that the legislature received the budget proposal on 13 November 2025 and subjected it to rigorous scrutiny.
He said the Appropriation Committee held an extended session in Calabar, Cross River State, to further enrich the document, resulting in modest upward adjustments.
The Speaker commended Governor Yahaya for the numerous development projects across the state, particularly in the health and education sectors.
He recalled that a recent health summit organised by the state government attracted experts from around the world, many of whom acknowledged Gombe State’s steady progress in healthcare delivery.
Luggerewo said the adjustments made by the legislature were carried out in good faith and in the best interest of the people of the state.
He also appreciated the governor for fostering a healthy intergovernmental relationship and for providing the legislature with vehicles and other logistics that have enhanced its operational efficiency.