Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has laid before the state legislature a massive spending plan of N583.33 billion for the 2026 financial year. The presentation, which took place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, was met with a vote of confidence from the members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly.
A Budget for Growth and Renewal
Dubbed the "Budget of Sustainable Growth and Economic Renewal," the fiscal proposal is designed to build on existing progress. Governor Fintiri stated that its core objectives are to solidify infrastructure gains, improve social services, advance economic reforms, and maintain peace throughout the state.
The governor emphasized that the budget is the product of extensive discussions with various ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), lawmakers, and other key stakeholders. It is firmly rooted in his administration's 8-Point Agenda and the principle of inclusive development.
Key Priorities and Achievements Highlighted
Fintiri outlined that the 2026 budget is a reflection of current economic conditions and realistic income forecasts. Spending will be carefully matched to the state's financial capabilities. Major focus areas include:
- Finishing ongoing projects and starting new strategic infrastructure.
- Boosting investments in education and healthcare sectors.
- Tackling poverty and hunger directly.
- Providing support for agriculture, commerce, and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
The governor took time to highlight his administration's track record, especially in empowering youth and women. He revealed that over 60,000 individuals have already benefited from the Fintiri Business Wallet initiative. Furthermore, an additional 100,000 beneficiaries are set to receive N50,000 each starting from December 2025, a program he believes will lift hundreds of thousands out of poverty.
On workers' welfare, Fintiri restated that Adamawa was the pioneer state in Nigeria to implement the N70,000 minimum wage. He also noted that civil service reforms, digitization of government processes, and the gradual roll-out of e-government platforms are boosting efficiency and accountability.
Sectoral Progress and Fiscal Discipline
In the education sector, 21 model and mega schools are nearly ready and are scheduled to begin academic sessions in the first quarter of 2026. In health, cottage hospitals are functioning, general hospitals are being upgraded, and various projects in water supply, markets, electricity, and road construction are advancing across the state. The governor also announced that the reconstructed Yola ultramodern stadium is close to completion.
Reviewing the 2025 budget performance, Fintiri recalled that the approved estimate, after a supplementary budget, was N621.29 billion. As of September 30, 2025, the state had generated N235.34 billion (37.9% of projected revenue) and spent N189.51 billion on personnel, overheads, and capital projects.
The proposed 2026 budget will fund both recurrent and capital expenditures, with continued emphasis on capital development. The administration pledged to maintain fiscal discipline by adhering to International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) program.
A significant innovation announced is the introduction of e-budgeting to replace bulky hard-copy documents, a move intended to cut costs and improve efficiency. All MDAs were urged to enhance their ICT capacity to fit into this new system.
For revenue generation, the governor promised to expand internally generated revenue by exploring untapped sources and utilizing grants, loans, and development financing from international partners. He assured that any borrowing would remain prudent and strictly tied to specific projects.
Governor Fintiri reaffirmed his government's dedication to peace, security, and a harmonious relationship with the legislature. He expressed strong belief that the 2026 budget will further set Adamawa State on a firm path toward inclusive and sustainable development.
