Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill of ₦985.9bn into law, with the education sector receiving the largest allocation of 25 per cent of the total budget.
The governor signed the budget on Monday at the Council Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, describing the financial plan as a reflection of his administration’s commitment to consolidating achievements while laying a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.
According to Sani, the 2026 budget, christened “Budget of Consolidation of Transformation for Inclusive Development,” prioritises capital investment aimed at accelerating development across the state.
He disclosed that ₦698.9bn, representing 70.9 per cent of the total budget, was earmarked for capital expenditure to drive infrastructure development, economic expansion and improved service delivery.
The governor added that recurrent expenditure stood at ₦287bn, or 29.1 per cent, to ensure the smooth and efficient running of essential government services.
Giving a sectoral breakdown, Sani said education was allocated 25 per cent of the budget because of its critical role in human capital development.
“We believe that knowledge is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and securing the future of our children,” he said.
He explained that infrastructure development and rural transformation also received 25 per cent of the budget, reflecting the government’s resolve to open up rural communities, improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities across the state.
The health sector was allocated 15 per cent of the budget, which the governor said underscored his administration’s belief that a healthy population was essential for productivity and human dignity.
Agriculture and food security, according to him, received 11.65 per cent of the budget to boost food production, empower farmers and strengthen the local economy.
Sani further revealed that provisions were made for climate change mitigation, nutrition and environmental sustainability in response to global realities and the state’s responsibility to future generations.
A major highlight of the budget, he said, was the administration’s decision to allocate ₦100m to each ward in the state for community-driven development projects.
“By allocating ₦100m to every ward in Kaduna State for community-driven projects, we are empowering our people to determine their priorities and drive development from the grassroots,” the governor said.
He stressed that the initiative was part of efforts to correct long-standing exclusion and promote inclusive governance.
On fiscal responsibility, Sani assured residents that the 2026 budget would not involve new borrowing, noting that his administration had already paid ₦114.9bn in debt servicing.
“The 2026 budget introduces no new loans. This reflects our determination to protect the future of Kaduna State while meeting the needs of the present,” he stated.
The governor said the budget was more than figures and projections, describing it as a promise of progress, opportunity and improved quality of life for residents.
He added that successful implementation would depend on effective collaboration with the Kaduna State House of Assembly, pledging a cordial working relationship with the legislature.
“Together, we have helped position Kaduna as Nigeria’s bastion of peace and tranquillity, and together we will sustain this stability as the bedrock of development,” Sani said.
