Gombe engages citizens on 2026 budget preparation

The Gombe State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance through active citizen participation in the state’s budget preparation process. Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, stated this during the opening ceremony of the Citizens Engagement on the 2026 Budget, held yesterday in Gombe. He described the engagement […]

The Gombe State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance through active citizen participation in the state’s budget preparation process.

Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, stated this during the opening ceremony of the Citizens Engagement on the 2026 Budget, held yesterday in Gombe.

He described the engagement as a vital component of participatory governance, which demonstrates the administration’s firm belief that governance must be participatory, inclusive, relevant, and responsive to the people’s needs.

“An effective budget is not merely a financial document; it is a roadmap for delivering the aspirations of our people and a reflection of our collective priorities as a state,” he said.

The Deputy Governor explained that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya-led administration had institutionalised a consultative process that ensures every budget cycle begins with active dialogue between the government and the citizens it serves.

He noted that the forum provides an opportunity for traditional leaders, women, youth, civil society organisations, and opinion leaders to make meaningful contributions that will shape the 2026 fiscal plan.

He highlighted the administration’s progress in fiscal responsibility, budget discipline, and public financial management reforms, noting that Gombe State consistently ranks among the top states in transparency and ease of doing business.

Dr Jatau reiterated that the 2026 budget would consolidate ongoing reforms while deepening investments in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, environment, and human capital development.

He urged participants to freely share their ideas and community priorities, assuring that every contribution would be carefully reviewed and integrated into the final budget.

“Our government remains resolute in promoting fiscal prudence, expanding the revenue base, and ensuring that every naira spent delivers maximum value to the people of Gombe State,” he added.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mohammed Abubakar Luggerewo, described the consultative forum as a critical stage in the budget process, ensuring that the voices of citizens are reflected in policy implementation.

He assured that the House of Assembly would use its legislative instruments to ensure all inputs from the engagement are captured in the 2026 budget to promote transparency and accountability.

The state’s Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Salihu Baba Alkali, welcomed participants and described the forum as an avenue to deepen citizen participation in governance.

He emphasised that the Ministry is committed to fostering transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability in the budgeting process.

“A successful budget is one that reflects the needs and contributions of all members of the community. Your insights and feedback are invaluable in ensuring that resources are effectively used to improve the lives of our residents,” Alkali stated.

He encouraged participants to actively engage in the discussions, stressing that the event was not merely about figures but about building a stronger, more responsive society.