Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has formally presented a proposed budget of N861.337 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to the state's House of Assembly, framing it as a critical blueprint for the state's transformation and recovery.
A Budget Anchored on Capital Projects
The presentation took place in Gusau on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Governor Lawal described the budget, tagged "Budget of Stability and Growth," as the next phase in his administration's rescue agenda. A striking feature of the proposal is its heavy tilt towards capital expenditure, which is designed to drive physical development across the state.
The budget allocates a massive N714 billion to capital projects, constituting 83 per cent of the total sum. This focus underscores the government's commitment to rebuilding infrastructure and key sectors. Conversely, recurrent expenditure, which covers salaries and operational costs, is set at N147,279,945,000, representing 17 per cent of the budget.
Sectoral Allocation and Strategic Focus
The proposed capital spending is strategically distributed to pivotal sectors aimed at tackling the state's most pressing challenges and unlocking its potential. Major allocations include:
- Health: N87 billion
- Agriculture: N86 billion
- Education: N65 billion
- Public Order and Safety: N45 billion
- Environmental Protection: N22 billion
- Social Protection: N17 billion
Governor Lawal stated that the budget is crafted to deepen gains from his administration's Six-Point Rescue Agenda. The key pillars include strengthening security, modernising agriculture for food security, upgrading healthcare, expanding quality education, accelerating infrastructure renewal, and empowering youth, women, and vulnerable groups.
Fiscal Discipline and a Call for Partnership
In his address, Governor Lawal emphasised that the low recurrent expenditure profile demonstrates fiscal discipline and a responsible approach to public finance. He noted that Zamfara's recurrent spending, at 17%, falls well within international benchmarks for subnational governments, which recommend keeping it at or below 60%.
The Governor highlighted that the ambitious plans outlined in the budget require sustained political will and cooperation. He appealed to the State Assembly for continued legislative partnership, describing their support as invaluable to the state's rescue mission. He submitted the budget for the assembly's "careful consideration and approval," expressing hope that it would guide Zamfara toward becoming stronger and more united.
Concluding his speech, Governor Lawal reiterated that the budget is more than a financial document; it is a roadmap for transformation and a social contract with the people of Zamfara State.
