Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has signed into law the N515.53 billion 2026 Appropriation and Finance Bills, providing the legal framework for the implementation of government policies and programmes by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Gatekeepers News reports that the governor assented to the bills on Wednesday in Damaturu, nearly two months after presenting them to the Yobe State House of Assembly on November 6, 2025, in accordance with Section 121 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Buni described the event as the culmination of extensive legislative deliberations aimed at safeguarding the interests of the people of the state.
“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,” the governor said.
Tagged “The Budget of Economic Growth and Infrastructural Transformation,” the 2026 budget, according to Buni, represents a continuation of the administration’s development agenda across critical sectors such as education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and employment.
He said the budget is designed to “achieve the objective of improving the quality of lives of people to greater heights.”
Buni commended members of the Yobe State House of Assembly for their commitment to the people, noting that the timely passage of the budget followed detailed scrutiny.
“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 said.
The governor disclosed that the budget size was adjusted to N515.53 billion, reflecting a slight reduction in capital expenditure and an increase in recurrent spending to enhance service delivery.
According to him, N291.9 billion, representing 62 per cent of the total budget, is allocated to capital expenditure, while N223.63 billion, or 38 per cent, is earmarked for recurrent expenditure. He added that internal adjustments were also made to the allocations of some MDAs.
Buni reiterated his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability.
“We shall continue to be committed to the principles of accountability, probity, transparency and strict adherence to due process and budget discipline that have earned this administration recognition in the last six years,” he said.
He added that the state would strive to sustain its record in fiscal transparency and budget performance, citing recognitions by SIFTAS, a World Bank initiative, and BudgIT.
The governor further said the government would strengthen control measures to promote financial prudence and ensure that limited resources are channelled toward priority socio-economic projects.
He explained that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Ministry of Budget and Planning, and the Ministry of Finance would provide policy direction and monitor implementation across the state’s 23 MDAs to ensure effective budget execution and economic growth.
