BY Abdullahi Ogoshi
A Budget That Puts People First
At a time when many Nigerians grapple with economic hardship, Nasarawa State has taken a decisive step in the right direction.
The 2026 budget presented by Governor Abdullahi A. Sule is more than a financial document, it is a bold reaffirmation that government must remain close to the people it serves.
What stands out most in Governor Sule’s proposal is its strong human-centred philosophy. The allocation prioritizes social services, critical infrastructure, agriculture, education, and job-creation programs. All of these areas are directly impact to the daily lives of citizens. This is the kind of deliberate investment that builds a resilient society and ensures the prosperity of future generations.
Rather than succumbing to the temptation of political fanfare or short-term spending, the governor has again demonstrated discipline and strategic foresight. His focus remains clear: empowering people with opportunities, not handouts; strengthening local economies, not ballooning bureaucracy.
Particularly commendable is the emphasis on expanding health care, boosting nutrition programs, and improving the delivery of education from the basic to tertiary levels. These are the essential building blocks of human capital development, and Nasarawa State has shown itself determined to lead.
Additionally, the budget’s commitment to rural roads, agricultural markets, and community development reinforces inclusivity—ensuring that growth reaches every corner of the state, not only the urban centers. This aligns with the governor’s long-standing vision of a Nasarawa where wealth creation flows from industry and innovation, not dependency.
We must also applaud the transparency and stakeholder engagements that accompanied the budget preparation process. It is refreshing to see a government invite citizens into conversations that shape their future.
Of course, no budget succeeds on paper alone. The real task lies in timely and effective implementation. The people of Nasarawa will be watching closely, hopeful that each promise translates into tangible impact.
For now, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule deserves commendation for presenting a budget rooted in fairness, growth, and compassion. In a country yearning for leaders who listen, Nasarawa has found one. This is governance with a human face and that is worth celebrating.
However the budget presented to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, 26th November 2025
Theme: “Budget of Strategic Consolidation”
The 2026 Appropriation Bill, valued at ₦517.53 billion, is strategically designed to consolidate ongoing developmental gains while accelerating inclusive economic growth across Nasarawa State. The budget strengthens the foundation already built in key sectors and directly targets at improved quality of life for citizens.
1️. Improved Infrastructure & Economic Connectivity
• ₦157.8 billion (30.49%) allocated for road construction, bridges, flyovers, and rural electrification.
• Completion and expansion of major road networks, easing movement of goods and people.
• Establishment of modern markets across LGAs to create jobs and enhance State revenue.
Impact: Better trade opportunities, reduced travel time, increased commercial activities, and improved attraction of investors.
2️. Strengthened Education & Human Capital Development
• ₦92.91 billion (17.95%) earmarked for schools, teacher recruitment, training, and scholarships.
• Education Trust Fund to ensure funding sustainability.
• Improved access, better accreditation for tertiary institutions.
Impact: More skilled youths, reduced unemployment, improved literacy and global competitiveness of the State.
3️. Enhanced Healthcare Delivery & Universal Access To Healthcare
• Upgrading tertiary health facilities such as FUT Lafia Teaching Hospital and Specialist Hospital Akwanga, General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Facilities.
• Adoption of vulnerable citizens into health insurance coverage via NASHIA.
• Recruitment of more medical workers & facility upgrades statewide.
Impact: Increased life expectancy, early disease prevention, management, reduced medical trips outside the State.
4️. Boost in Agricultural Productivity & Food Security
• Mechanized farming expanded to 3,300 hectares with an expected yield of 8 to 10 tons per hectare.
• Continuous distribution of inputs, tractors, irrigation support.
• Strengthening value-chain addition under the State Food and Nutrition Council.
Impact: Job creation, food affordability, expansion of agribusiness and rural economy.
5️. Social Protection and Poverty Reduction
• Monthly cash support to the most vulnerable through State Cash Transfer Scheme.
• NG-CARES 2.0 participation to support micro-enterprises and community livelihoods.
Impact: Financial relief, reduced poverty index, safety nets for families under economic pressure.
6️. Good Governance, Transparency & Improved Working Environment
• Construction and functioning of the Integrated State Secretariat to enhance efficiency.
• Sustained payment of 100% pensions and clearance of arrears dating back to 1996.
• Strengthened revenue reforms and boosting IGR performance.
Impact: Motivated workforce, reduced corruption, improved public service delivery.
7️. Security, Peace & Investor Confidence
• Procurement of logistics and facilities to enhance operational capacity of security agencies.
• Peacebuilding initiatives in rural and urban communities.
Impact: Safer communities, increased investor interest, protection of lives and properties.
8️. Support for Youth, Women & Innovation
• Skills development programs via Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Training Institute and Leather Institute, Doma.
• Emerging opportunities in technology, manufacturing and creative industries.
Impact: Wealth creation, reduction in youth restiveness, empowerment of SMEs.
Conclusion
The 2026 Budget is people-centered, investment-driven, and future-focused. It reflects:
✔ Economic expansion
✔ Improved social wellbeing
✔ Deepened accountability
✔ Consolidation of peace and growth
In essence, the “Budget of Strategic Consolidation” ensures that every household in Nasarawa State feels the impact of governance through better infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and economic empowerment among others.
