Yobe Govt receives citizens’ inputs on 2026 budget for inclusiveness

Yobe Govt receives citizens’ inputs on 2026 budget for inclusiveness

The Yobe Government has reiterated the importance of citizens’ participation in the process of formulating government policies and programmes to strengthen trust and accountability.

Alhaji Baba Malam-Wali, Secretary to the State Government, made the statement on Thursday in Damaturu while declaring open a one-day citizens and stakeholders’ engagement on the preparation of the 2026 budget.

He said citizens’ inputs in governance would enable the government to address developmental needs collaboratively and promote accountability in service delivery.

Also speaking, Alhaji Mohammed Gagiyo, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, said the engagement reflected Gov. Mai Mala Buni’s commitment to transparency and inclusive governance.

Gagiyo, represented by Mr Hamid Babi, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) remains central to Yobe’s fiscal planning and will guide projections, allocations, and prioritisation of limited resources for maximum impact.

“The budget is not just about figures; it is about transforming numbers into actionable solutions that improve lives. Citizens’ contributions will shape projections and ensure allocations go to areas with the greatest impact,” he said.

Gagiyo said declining revenue inflows, especially Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), made it imperative for the state to reduce dependence on federal allocations and explore innovative options to boost income.

Hajiya Zainab Saleh, Director of Budget in the ministry, described the budget as a constitutional requirement, adding that the engagement reflected the government’s open-door and people-oriented policy.

She urged stakeholders to contribute meaningfully towards producing a people-driven 2026 budget.

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Speaking on behalf of women, Hajiya Fatima Dada, appealed for more economic empowerment initiatives, including soft loans, vocational training, and employment opportunities.

“We, the women of Yobe, still face many challenges. When women are comfortable, the whole society will be comfortable,” she said.

Similarly, Mr Baba Kucici, Secretary of Yobe Civil Society Organisations, presented a compiled list of citizens’ needs, urging government to establish a direct feedback mechanism for monitoring projects and programmes.

He also appealed for inclusion of National Assembly members in the budget dialogue to ensure that citizens’ needs with federal implications were addressed at the national level.

The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that the engagement brought together representatives of government agencies, civil society, business community, and women groups to contribute inputs for the 2026 budget.