Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has officially enacted the state's financial plan for the 2026 fiscal year, signing the Appropriation and Finance Bills into law.
Budget Signing Ceremony in Damaturu
The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, in the state capital, Damaturu. This action provides the legal backing for ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to implement government policies and programmes throughout the year.
Governor Buni presented the budget estimates to the Yobe State House of Assembly on Thursday, November 6, 2025. The legislative process, which lasted about two months, adhered to the provisions of Section 121 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).
A Budget for Growth and Transformation
Dubbed "The Budget of Economic Growth and Infrastructural Transformation," the N515.53 billion budget is designed to advance the state's development agenda. Governor Buni stated that it aims to continue progress in critical sectors including education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and employment.
"We are here to witness the signing of the two bills into law after thorough deliberations by members of the State Assembly to capture, promote and protect the interest of the people," Buni said during the ceremony. He emphasized that the budget's ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for Yobe's citizens.
Breakdown of Expenditure and Fiscal Commitment
The governor disclosed that the final budget figure reflected an adjustment, with a slight reduction in capital expenditure and an increase in recurrent spending. The detailed allocation is as follows:
- Capital Expenditure: N291.9 billion, representing 62% of the total budget.
- Recurrent Expenditure: N223.63 billion, accounting for the remaining 38%.
Internal adjustments were also made to the allocations of some MDAs to optimize resource distribution.
Governor Buni commended the State Assembly for their diligent scrutiny and timely passage of the budget. "This clearly shows that both the Executive and Legislative arms of government in the state are working on the same page with a clear vision, understanding and commitment to serve the people better," he noted.
He reiterated his administration's dedication to fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability. Buni pledged to continue upholding the principles of probity and strict budget adherence, which he credited for earning the state recognition in past years.
The governor pointed to accolades from World Bank's SIFTAS initiative and BudgIT as evidence of Yobe's standing in fiscal transparency. He assured that control measures would be strengthened to ensure financial prudence and that limited resources are channeled into critical socio-economic projects.
To ensure effective implementation, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Ministry of Budget and Planning, and the Ministry of Finance will provide policy direction and monitor execution across the state's 23 MDAs.
