Protocol:
It is with a sense of responsibility that I stand before you today to present the 2026 Fiscal Appropriation Bill in compliance with section 121(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). This is my seventh Budget presentation since my assumption of Office in 2019. This annual engagement reflects our collective obligation to constitutional order, fiscal prudence and the continuous advancement of governance anchored on transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.
2.The Rt. Hon. Speaker, Honourable Members of the House of Assembly, let me state that in spite of the prevailing economic headwinds across the nation, our Administration has remained steadfast in pursuing reforms and implementing development-oriented programmes, aimed at stimulating economic growth, strengthening institutions, and improving the overall quality of life of our citizens.
3.The 2026 Budget therefore, represents a strategic consolidation of our achievements over the years and a deliberate effort to chart a sustainable path for accelerated development. The Budget is aimed at achieving the developmental aspiration of our Administration viz-a-viz the policy direction of APC Government under the leadership of our amiable President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
4.The Rt. Hon. Speaker and Honourable Members of this respected Hallowed Chamber, it is pertinent to state that since our assumption of Office, we have remained resolute to the implementation of policies and programmes, aimed at improving the living standard of our people and transformation of our dear State. This commitment is advanced through our modest efforts in the construction of modern road networks and other physical infrastructure, provision of healthcare services, education, agriculture, economic empowerment and, indeed, robust investment opportunities. These achievements were possible in view of our principles of transparency, accountability, probity, and prudent management of State resources.
5.Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, let me remind you that the 2025 Budget, which we laid before you here in November, 2024 has performed optimally, as we recorded tremendous improvement in our inflows which also translated in the execution of our policies and programmes. I am happy to inform you that most of the road construction, hospitals, sports facilities, school infrastructure, office accommodation, agricultural empowerment, human capital development, electricity and water projects, as well as provision of market facilities, among other projects were critically considered in line with the basic needs of our people.
6.The Rt. Hon. Speaker, Honourable Members, I need to point out that in furtherance of our commitment to continue to entrench peace and harmonious co-existence in the State, Government has sustained its collaboration and synergy with security agencies through regular provision of operational vehicles and other logistics support to facilitate their smooth operation. To further strengthen this synergy, Government is committing enormous resources to build infrastructure and enhance capacity of our security agencies in the fight against insecurity in the State. I want to state that the attraction of investment into the State is directly linked to peace and harmonious co-existence of the populace.
7.On agriculture, you are aware that Nasarawa is an agrarian State with good climatic condition and soil texture. This is why we have continued to take advantage of this opportunity to prioritize and focus on boosting our agricultural production for food value-chain addition. We also committed to ensure full exploitation of our potential in the agricultural sector. In this connection, Government has sustained the distribution of farm inputs to our farmers in order to support agricultural development in the State.
8.I am happy to inform you that in our commitment to ensure food security for the State, Government expanded cultivation to 3,300 hectares of farm out of the 10,000 hectares of land acquired in Jangwa and Agwatashi of Awe and Obi Local Government Areas respectively. As I speak, harvest has begun and we are expecting 8 tons per hectare to be harvested at the end of the season.
9.This Administration has also procured and distributed tractors and other agriculture machineries, as well as farm inputs to our farmers in our determination to enhance mechanized agriculture and its sustainability.
10.The Rt. Hon. Speaker, Honourable Members, there is no gainsaying the fact that our Administration has accorded priority attention to the welfare of Public Servants in the State. It is for this reason that we have implemented the new minimum wage in order to meet up with the current economic reality.
11.You are aware that in our determination to improve the living standard of our people, Government restored the 100% payment of monthly pension to the State retirees. This course of action has transformed the living conditions of our retirees in the State. We have stabilized the payment of salaries of workers and pension of Local Government retirees at 100%.
12.Let me add that the outstanding gratuity of retirees from the creation of the State in 1996 to 2011 has been cleared. Additionally, we earmarked funds to pay for the 2012 gratuity. We shall sustain this payment to avoid further accumulation.
13.Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, it is worth mentioning that this Administration has constructed an Ultra-modern and Integrated State Secretariat complex that is now housing Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government. This is in furtherance of our resolve to provide conducive environment for workers to enhance productivity and service delivery.
14.In furtherance of our commitment to sustain infrastructural development in the State, we have considered the necessity of embarking on the construction of urban and rural roads to ensure all-round development of the State. Accordingly, we have constructed a number of roads across our urban and rural centers to provide interconnectivity among our rural areas and to create road network in our urban areas. Just yesterday, I flagged-off the construction of three (3) rural roads in Wamba, Akwanga and Nassarawa-Eggon Local Government Areas. I assure you that we are determined to open more urban and rural roads and complete them before the end of our Administration.
15.Suffice to mention that we have successfully constructed about 639 kilometers of road network across Nasarawa State. Building on this progress, we have commissioned the Lafia bridge interchange ramp and road underpass. The construction of overpass and underpass in Keffi and Akwanga are currently ongoing. These initiatives aim to enhance traffic flow for commuters, while also transforming the aesthetic appeal of our major urban centers.
16.I need to state that this Administration is determined to open vista of commercial activities in the State. This is why we have constructed and put to use Modern Markets in Keffi, Nasarawa-Eggon and Akwanga to enhance revenue generation. I am happy to inform you that constructions of additional Modern Markets in Awe, Wamba, Doma and Nasarawa are almost completed. Other construction of markets will soon commence.
17.On healthcare services, this Administration accords priority to healthcare delivery for the wellbeing of our people. In this regard, we have continued to utilize the Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency (NASHIA) to make healthcare services accessible and affordable. I am happy to state that the Agency has launched the adoption of poor and vulnerable citizens from the informal sector into the scheme to ensure universal health coverage in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We will endeavour to sustain the provision of affordable healthcare services and infrastructure at tertiary, secondary and primary levels for the wellbeing of our people in the State.
18.Our Administration also expanded the structures and other facilities of the erstwhile Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH), Lafia and handed over to the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital as part of our donation which ensured its full take-off. I am happy to inform you that the General Hospital Akwanga will now serve as Specialist Hospital to ensure that each zone of the State has the benefit of a tertiary facility to respond to different ailments that are beyond primary and secondary facilities for the wellbeing of our people.
19.Government also upgraded some Primary Healthcare Centres to General Hospitals in order to create more access to healthcare facilities at the grassroots. As I speak, the upgraded General Hospitals have since taken off. We have also built and equipped our health centres with modern facilities in line with the global practices.
20.In our commitment to enhance manpower development, we have employed additional staff across various segments in the health sector and have since been posted to various health facilities across the State. We shall sustain this commitment until the sector is fully overhauled.
21.Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members of House of Assembly, on educational development, this Administration in its commitment to improving teaching and learning, employed the services of teaching and non-teaching staff in our secondary and tertiary institutions in the State. This effort facilitated the accreditation of most courses in our tertiary institutions by the regulatory bodies. Similarly, the recruitment of teachers into our secondary schools has greatly enhanced the needed manpower towards the realization of our educational objectives. I am aware that the Teachers’ Service Commission is also preparing to recruit additional teachers in order to fill the vacuum in our Secondary Schools.
22.Let me add that our Primary and Junior Secondary Schools is also benefitting from this endeavour as we are recruiting additional teaching staff for our primary schools in the State. I am happy to inform you that the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board is also handling the recruitment process in order to meet the manpower needs of this level of our education. Similarly, this Administration continued to commit enormous resources for the enhancement of our educational system. In this regard, we have constructed and rehabilitated classroom blocks in our primary and secondary schools across the State to create conducive environment for effective teaching and learning.
23.The Rt. Hon. Speaker, Honourable Members of House of Assembly, as part of our deliberate efforts towards empowering our teeming youths and women in line with the posture of this Administration, we have continued to utilize the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute alongside Institute of Leather Science and Technology, Doma in the State for the training of our youths in meaningful ventures with a view to giving them a skill, creating wealth, generating employment and alleviating poverty in the State.
24.In our desire to improve the living conditions of our people, we have sustained our initiative of the Nasarawa State Cash Transfer Scheme, where beneficiaries receive the sum of N10,000 as stipend on monthly basis. This programme has been impactful and uplifting the living conditions of the poor and vulnerable citizens in the State.
25.Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members of the House of Assembly, reflecting on the economic challenges faced by the nation, including Nasarawa State, it is crucial to acknowledge the turbulent economic landscape we encountered this year. We faced a sharp increase in exchange rate and external vulnerabilities, global inflationary pressures and security remain a major drag on economic activity, especially in rural and agricultural areas, disrupting productivity and investment. These factors, compounded by an overstretched Government budget has contributed to rising unemployment, youth restiveness, poverty and inequality, and other challenges. However, not only did we rebound from these setbacks, but we also put in place the necessary macroeconomic stabilization mechanism to strengthen our performance, surpassing the previous year’s results.
26.Accordingly, we increased the State’s expenditure from N133.01 billion in 2024 to N226.36 billion by the end of October 2025. This represents an infusion of nearly N93.35 billion into the State’s economy, a key factor in maintaining our growth trajectory.
REVIEW OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET
27.Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members of the State Assembly, the implementation of the 2025 Budget of Economic Growth and Stability commenced on the first day of the year. Despite the challenges of an unstable economic environment, including inflationary pressures, fluctuating exchange rates and national uncertainties, we achieved significant milestones.
28.I need to state that at the end of October 2025, Nasarawa State had generated a total revenue of N235.048 billion (Including Opening Balance) which represents 61.16% of the total projected revenue for the fiscal year. This includes N127.20 billion from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) and N27.31 billion from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Additionally, we received N26.51 billion as capital receipts from aid, grants, and capital development funds, which form part of deficit financing.
29.The total expenditure for the 2025 Budget as at October 31st, 2025, stood at N226.36 billion, representing 58.90% of the approved expenditure for the year. Of this, N106.11 billion was spent on recurrent costs, with priority given to the regular payment of staff salaries, gratuities/pension, debt servicing and other running costs. The capital expenditure for the period was N120.25 billion, representing 53.75%, this is the highest capex performance in a fiscal year since the creation of the State.
30.Our revenue collection and public expenditure management reforms are yielding results, with notable improvements in independent revenue (Internally Generated Revenue) performance. However, to sustain this momentum, we must make efforts to identify and tap into new revenue sources to reduce overreliance on external sources.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES, POLICY THRUST AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR FY2026
31.Mr. Speaker, the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriation Bill is anchored on the theme: “Budget of Strategic Consolidation.” In line with our development agenda, the 2026 Budget seeks to:
- Consolidate ongoing infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and economic competitiveness.
- Expand job creation through industrialization, SME support, and agricultural productivity.
- Improve the quality and accessibility of basic healthcare and education services.
- Intensify urban renewal efforts and strengthen environmental management.
- Deepen the digital transformation of government operations for improved service delivery.
- Enhance social protection mechanisms for the poor and vulnerable.
- Sustain investments in security to safeguard lives, property, and economic activities.
- Deepening fiscal sustainability and efficiency.
- Accelerating infrastructure delivery.
- Strengthening human capital development especially in education, health, and other critical sub-sectors.
- Expanding the revenue base through improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) systems.
These priorities and policy thrust reflect our commitment to building a resilient, competitive, and inclusive State and our goal is to consolidate prior achievements and accelerate ongoing reforms.
PARAMETERS AND MACROECONOMIC ASSUMPTIONS FOR THE 2026 BUDGET
32.Mr. Speaker, other Honourable Members, we are looking at the following macroeconomic expectations:
- Oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel.
- Daily oil production estimate of 1.7 million barrels per day.
- Exchange rate of N1500 per US Dollar;
- Projected Real GDP growth rate of 3.2%; and
- Inflation rate of less than 16%.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET
33.May I reiterate that the prospect for the FY 2026 outlook is bright and we intend to continue the following: - Education: We shall intensify efforts to renovate and equip educational institutions, invest in enhanced teacher training, and strengthen scholarship programs to guarantee that no child is excluded. This is the more reason that we established the Nasarawa State Education Trust Fund.
- Healthcare: Allocations have been made for the upgrading of key Health Facilities, the recruitment of qualified health personnel, and the expansion of health insurance coverage for our most vulnerable citizens.
- Infrastructure: The 2026 budget makes substantial provisions for the development and upgrading of road networks for both rural and urban centres, flyovers, bridges, water supply systems, and rural electrification projects to stimulate economic growth and improve connectivity.
- Agriculture: We will continue to empower farmers by facilitating access to agricultural inputs, extension services, and irrigation infrastructure, thereby promoting food security and employment creation. We have set up the State Food and Nutrition Council for a robust implementation of the plans we have for food security.
- Security: Sufficient resources have been earmarked to support security agencies with necessary working tools and welfare, community policing efforts, and peace-building initiatives throughout the State.
- Social Protection: The State is aiming to join the next phase of the Nigeria Community Action and Economic Stimulus Programme NG-CARES 2.0 in the next fiscal year, which we believe suitably aligns with our Administration’s development agenda as contained in the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS). The goal is to sustain the gains and deepen the impact recorded in the first NG-CARES phase and consolidate the progress on the fight against poverty. The interventions selected by the State through the Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) also fit into our key priority areas such as the agricultural sector, human capital development, livelihood support and micro-infrastructures, as part of our vision to provide a resilient shock responsive mechanism at community level that is driven by themselves.
FY 2026 REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK
34.Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Members, based on the aforementioned plan for 2026, our total proposed revenue is Five Hundred and Seventeen Billion, Five Hundred and Thirty-Nine Million, Fifty Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ten Naira, Seventy-Seven Kobo (N517,539,050,910.77) only, This consists of an estimated total recurrent revenue of Three Hundred and Two Billion, Five Hundred and Twenty-One Million, Forty-Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety-One Naira and Sixteen Kobo (N302,521,043,791.16) only (from FAAC and IGR), and capital receipts which include aid, grants, and capital development funds, which form part of our deficit financing, of One Hundred and Fifty-One Billion, Four Hundred and Thirty-Five Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty-Three Naira and Thirty-Four Kobo (N151,435,982,663.34) only.
35.Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, the total expenditure budget for fiscal year 2026 is structured into Two Hundred and Twelve Billion, Seven Hundred and Eighty-Nine Million, Three Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty-Nine Naira, Seven Kobo (N212,789,330,249.07) only. This represents 41.12% recurrent expenditure and a total capital expenditure of Three Hundred and Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Forty-Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Twenty Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty-One Naira, Seventy Kobo (N304,749,720,661.70) representing 58.88%. The ratio of the recurrent to capital spending shows another improvement in our commitment to investing in capital spending. Budget allocation based on main sectors is as follows:
- Administrative Sector: N108.70 billion
- Economic Sector: N221.84 billion
- Law and Justice Sector: N16.09 billion
- Social Sector: N170.92 billion
36.Further breakdown into sub-sectors shows that: - Infrastructure- 157.80 billion representing30.49%
- Education- 92.91 billion representing17.95%
- Science, Technology &
Digital Economy - 4.92 billion representing 0.95% - Governance, Security &
Gen. Administration – 142.96 billion representing27.62% - Finance, Investment &
Trade - 39.19 billion representing7.57% - Health- 37.19 billion representing7.19%
- Agriculture &
Water Resources- 31.85 billion representing6.15% - Environment & Community
Development- 28.32 billion representing 5.42% - Information &
Tourism- 18.65 billion representing3.60% - Legislation- 16.59 billion representing3.21%
- Law & Justice- 16.09 billion representing3.11%
- Youth & Sport
Development- 10.01 billion representing1.93% - Humanitarian & Women
Empowerment- 2.50 billion representing0.48%
37.Mr. Speaker Distinguished Members, I must emphasize that we remain committed to enhancing our capacity to serve the people of Nasarawa State, ensuring that our progress is sustainable and benefits future generations. To achieve this, we have established six (6) strategic agencies in key sectors to drive modernization, institutional strengthening, economic growth, public safety, and regulatory frameworks. These agencies include: Nasarawa State Fire & Rescue Service Agency, Nasarawa State Education Trust Fund (NASETFund), Institute of Leather & Science Technology, Doma, Nasarawa State Multi-Door Court House (NSMDC) and in response to the expanding electricity market following the decentralization of power regulation in Nigeria, we have also established Nasarawa State Electricity Regulatory Commission to oversee the generation, transmission, distribution, and marketing of electricity within the state. This new regulatory framework is expected to improve power reliability, encourage private-sector participation, and support industrial growth across the State. We have also domesticated the Made-in-Nigeria Project Office in Nasarawa State. This is in our commitment to promoting local content in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
38.I wish to state that these newly established Agencies mark a significant shift towards strategic reforms, empowering citizens, driving economic growth, enhancing security, and strengthening institutions. I invite partners, stakeholders, investors, and the public to join us in supporting these Agencies as they drive transformative changes and improve service delivery across Nasarawa State.
39.The Rt. Hon. Speaker, Honourable Members of House of Assembly, let me take the opportunity of this session to sincerely appreciate the Speaker and every Member of this noble Assembly for your patriotism, dedication, and steadfast support. Together, let us re-commit to the vision of building a peaceful, prosperous and united Nasarawa State in which every citizen is empowered to realize their fullest potential. I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Members of the Nasarawa State Executive Council, Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies for their invaluable support and thoughtful policy recommendations. These contributions have been essential to driving the socio-economic development of our dear State. In addition, I acknowledge the input of our stakeholders in both the public and private sectors, whose insights have greatly enhanced our policy decisions and strengthened our resolve to improve Nasarawa State.
40.I need to also specially commend the effort of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning for the thorough preparation and timely completion of this document which we are presenting today. Special commendation goes to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State for always ensuring proper coordination of Government activities. The hard work and contributions of public servants across various MDAs deserve equal recognition and commendation.
41. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members of House of Assembly, I am confident that this collective effort will pave the way for a prosperous future for all the citizens of Nasarawa State.
42. On this note, Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, it is my honour to lay before this Hallowed Chamber the 2026 Appropriation Bill tagged “Budget of Strategic Consolidation” in the sum of Five Hundred and Seventeen Billion, Five Hundred and Thirty-Nine Million, Fifty Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ten Naira and Seventy-Seven Kobo (N517,539,050,910.77) only.
43. I solicit your expeditious consideration and passage of the 2026 Fiscal Appropriation Bill. This will facilitate the timely execution of vital projects and programmes designed to elevate the socio-economic conditions of our people. The Executive Arm is fully committed to constructive dialogue and collaboration with this Assembly, as we collectively endeavor to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Nasarawa State.
44.Thank you and God bless Nasarawa State.
