Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to transparency and inclusive governance through a Citizens’ Engagement forum held in preparation for the 2025 budget.
The event, hosted brought together diverse stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organizations, faith-based groups, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and other community members.
It was organized by the Ministries of Budget & Economic Planning and Finance & Economic Development, the forum continues an annual tradition initiated by Governor Yahaya since 2019, demonstrating his administration’s commitment to participatory governance and addressing the state’s critical needs.
Emphasizing Inclusive Governance
Representing the Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, emphasized the administration’s focus on inclusive decision-making and effective resource management.
“This forum is a significant step in ensuring that the needs and aspirations of the people are reflected in government spending
“By involving citizens in the budgeting process, we demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accountability in governance,” he said.
The Governor revealed that of the 71 projects nominated by citizens during the 2024 budget consultations, 48 of them, which represent 67.61%, had been executed.
He said the projects span critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture. Highlights include:
- Road Construction: Tashan Magarya to Emir’s Palace in Kumo (ongoing); Nafada to Potiskum road (completed).
- Urban Renewal: Expansion of Tumfure roads (ongoing).
- Erosion Control: Various projects in affected areas, some completed and others ongoing.
- Public Infrastructure: Reconstruction of local government secretariats and royal palaces, solar lighting projects in Gadam Town, and timely fertilizer distribution to farmers.
- Education and Healthcare: Construction, upgrades, and renovations of schools and health facilities.
Legislative and Executive Collaboration
The Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Mr. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, applauded the initiative, assuring citizens that the legislature, in collaboration with the executive, would ensure a people-oriented budget is approved.
Also, the Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Appropriation, Mr. Ali Baba Manu, stressed that the engagement would provide lawmakers with insights, which would guide equitable resource allocation across the state’s 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Financial Projections and Challenges
The Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Muhammad Gambo Magaji, highlighted the economic challenges impacting the state’s revenue, noting that proposed tax reforms and exchange rate adjustments might reduce statutory VAT allocations and exchange rate differentials.
Mr.Magaji urged stakeholders to remain mindful of the financial realities and formulate priorities for the 2025 fiscal year.
Building on Progress
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Salihu Baba Alkali, emphasized the role of the stakeholder engagement in shaping strategies and goals for sustainable economic development and the importance of transparent budgeting and stakeholder input in finalizing the budget.