Thursday, June 4, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

Zamfara: Lawal presents N861b budget of stability and growth

Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal

Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal

From John Bassey, Gusau

The Governor of Zamfara State, Dr Dauda Lawal, has presented a proposed N861 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, describing it as a roadmap for transformation and assurance that the state will rise stronger.

The budget proposal was presented at the Zamfara State House of Assembly before the Speaker, Rt Hon Ishmael Moriki, and other honourable members of the House on Thursday in Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the 2026 proposal has a capital expenditure of N714 billion, accounting for 83% of the budget.

The statement also noted that the proposal has a recurrent expenditure of N147,279,945,000, representing 17% of the budget.

“The Zamfara budget proposal allocates N65 billion for education, N87 billion for health, N86 billion for agriculture, N45 billion for public order and safety, N22 billion for environmental protection, and N17 billion for social protection.”

In his remarks at the presentation, Governor Lawal said 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 nor political propaganda, but a sincere commitment to ensure stability in governance and accelerate the growth our citizens yearn for.

It is crafted to deepen the gains achieved through our Six-Point Rescue Agenda, which are to strengthen the security architecture, modernise agriculture for food security and prosperity, upgrade the healthcare system for every community, expand access to quality education, accelerate infrastructural renewal, and empower youth, women and vulnerable populations. This budget prioritises 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 naira, 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 development 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 our rescue mission, is our Capital Expenditure Plan. The 2026 proposal of seven hundred and fourteen billion naira (83% of the budget) marks a historic commitment to rebuilding infrastructure, strengthening security, revitalising agriculture, and expanding opportunities for our youth.”

Governor Lawal further emphasised that none of these ambitions—from security to education, from agriculture to infrastructure, from civil service reform to economic revitalisation—can be achieved without political will, unwavering government commitment, and the patriotic cooperation of the State Assembly.

“Political will is the courage to make difficult decisions today for the sake of a better tomorrow; it is the strength to remain focused on the collective interest, even when distractions abound. Your continued support, understanding, and legislative partnership have been invaluable in advancing the rescue mission. Together, we have laid the foundation for a prosperous, secure, and progressive Zamfara State.

“It is in this spirit of shared responsibility and collective resolve that I humbly submit to this Honourable House the 2026 Budget Proposal of eight hundred and sixty-one billion, three hundred and thirty-seven million naira only (N861,337,000,000) for your careful consideration and approval.

“This budget is more than figures, it is a roadmap for transformation, a contract with the people, and a declaration that Zamfara State will rise stronger, more united, and more determined than ever before. May Allah guide your deliberations and bless the great people of Zamfara State.”