We’re edging towards self-sufficiency with increased IGR – Gombe Commissioner of Budget

Governor Yahaya presents N535.6 billion proposed 2026 budget to State Assembly

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From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe

Gombe State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning Salihu Baba Alkali has stated that the state is fast-moving toward financial self-sufficiency, following a rise in its internally generated revenue (IGR).

Speaking shortly after Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya presented the proposed 2026 budget to the State House of Assembly, Alkali disclosed that the state’s recurrent revenue had outperformed expectations by over 120 per cent as of September 2025.

“The most important aspect is the improvement in IGR collection. From 2023 through 2025, our IGR performance has consistently improved due to expanded economic activities across the state. Construction projects everywhere have created new tax streams through withholding tax and company income tax,” he stated.

He credited the improvement to the reforms and incentives introduced by Governor Yahaya’s administration. He said, “His Excellency deserves commendation. He expanded the Internal Revenue Board and raised the commission rate from 5% to 10% to motivate staff. As a result, IGR performance as of September stood at 104% above target,” Alkali added, emphasising that the state was moving toward self-reliance and job creation.

Governor Yahaya, while presenting the N535.6 billion “Budget of Consolidation” for the 2026 fiscal year, reaffirmed his administration’s focus on sustaining growth, improving infrastructure, and empowering citizens.

According to him, the proposed budget comprises N164.2 billion for recurrent expenditure, representing 30.66%, and N371.4 billion for capital expenditure, accounting for 69.34% of the total. The governor said the budget aligns with the state’s Development Agenda (DEVAGOM) and reflects a commitment to “sustainability, equity, and inclusive growth.”

Highlighting achievements under the outgoing fiscal year, the governor said recurrent revenue performance stood at over 126% of projections as of September 2025, necessitating a supplementary budget to accommodate excess inflows. He also pointed to key investments in infrastructure, education, health, energy, and agriculture.

“In the 2026 fiscal year, we plan to generate over N416 billion as recurrent revenues and N225 billion as capital receipts,” Yahaya disclosed. He said the budget’s capital focus will drive industrial growth, improve public services, and consolidate the administration’s gains since 2019.

The governor described the budget as a continuation of his administration’s transformation drive. “We are not slowing down; we are doubling up,” he declared. “From the ruins of inherited challenges, we have raised Gombe to a model of governance now emulated across the federation.”

He assured that the proposed “Budget of Consolidation” would sustain economic stability, create opportunities, and entrench a legacy of fiscal responsibility and development across all sectors.