Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed submitted a N878.25 billion appropriation bill for 2026 to the State House of Assembly on November 27, 2025, tagged “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability.” With 65% allocated to capital projects and 35% to recurrent spending, the proposal marks a 41% increase from 2025, driven by revenue reforms. Key priorities include infrastructure completion, retiree gratuities, and agricultural enhancements amid Nigeria’s fiscal challenges. The assembly praised the timely presentation as a democratic milestone
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed delivered the 2026 fiscal blueprint to the State House of Assembly on November 27, 2025, proposing N878.25 billion in spending to drive sustainable growth. Dubbed the “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability,” it emphasizes project completion and fiscal discipline, reflecting a 41% jump from last year’s estimates amid national tax reforms.
Budget Breakdown: Capital-Heavy Focus for Development
The appropriation bill allocates N567 billion—65% of the total—to capital expenditure, prioritizing infrastructure and economic initiatives, while N310 billion (35%) covers recurrent costs like salaries and operations. This structure aligns with the national chart of accounts and Bauchi’s Fiscal Responsibility Law.
Governor Mohammed highlighted the budget’s foundation in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, ensuring compliance and transparency. He assured full implementation, stating it addresses “critical needs and immediate impact” without overextending resources.
Key Priorities: From Gratuities to Rural Infrastructure
Mohammed outlined a roadmap centered on human capital and legacy projects, including full settlement of outstanding retiree gratuities—a long-standing commitment. The budget also flags off rural road constructions under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), targeting six key routes to boost farming productivity.
Other focal areas include education, health, and security enhancements, with new projects limited to high-impact ventures. “This is more than figures; it’s a testament to our values and determination for Bauchi’s future,” Mohammed remarked during the presentation.
- Gratuity Clearance: Full payment of backlogs to retired civil servants, easing pension burdens.
- RAAMP Roads: Six rural links to improve market access for farmers, flagged off November 26.
- Project Completion: Emphasis on finishing ongoing works to avoid waste.
- Revenue Boost: Anticipated gains from January 2026 tax reforms to fund the 41% increase.
Assembly’s Response: Timely Milestone Amid Reforms
Speaker Abubakar Y. Suleiman welcomed the submission as a “milestone in democratic development,” commending the governor’s punctuality ahead of the December recess. The assembly plans swift deliberations to pass the bill, ensuring alignment with state goals.
This comes after pre-budget announcements pegged estimates at N900 billion, later refined to N878.25 billion based on realistic projections. Analysts note the hike stems from revenue reforms and inflation pressures, positioning Bauchi for resilience in Nigeria’s evolving economy.
Broader Context: Navigating National Fiscal Pressures
Mohammed’s presentation follows his critique of federal budget execution, where he accused Abuja of fiscal lapses despite promises. Bauchi’s approach contrasts by borrowing solely for development, not diversion, per the governor. The state recently invested N7.8 billion in renovating the assembly complex, underscoring legislative support.
With Nigeria’s 2026 national budget debates looming, Bauchi’s model—balancing capital outlays with sustainability—could influence peers. However, challenges like inflation and federal allocations remain hurdles.
In essence, Governor Bala Mohammed’s N878 billion 2026 budget signals Bauchi’s push for consolidation amid economic headwinds, with heavy capital bets on infrastructure and welfare. As the assembly reviews it, timely passage could unlock progress by year-start, reinforcing the state’s developmental trajectory through 2027. For full details, read Daily Post Nigeria’s coverage.