Governor set aside N100 million for each ward in 2026 Budget to aid grassroot development

Governor set aside N100 million for each ward in 2026 Budget to aid grassroot development

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has made history with the 2026 budget by approving an allocation of N100 million for each of the state’s 255 wards, a move the government says is aimed at deepening grassroots development and inclusive governance.

The Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Hon. Mukhtar Ahmed Morovia, disclosed this during a post-budget press briefing held after the governor signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law on Monday.

Morovia explained that the ward-based allocation forms a key part of the administration’s strategy to take development directly to local communities, describing it as unprecedented in the state’s history.

The 2026 budget stands at N985.9 billion, with education receiving the highest share of 25 per cent. According to the commissioner, N698.9 billion, representing 70.9 per cent of the total budget, has been set aside for capital projects to drive infrastructure growth, economic development and improved public services.

The governor also noted that ‘’recurrent expenditure stands at N287 billion, or 29.1 percent, ensuring that essential government services continue to function efficiently and responsibly.’’

Morovia said the N100 million per ward would be deployed to projects in critical sectors, including health, education, agriculture and social services, and would be executed by relevant ministries, departments and agencies.

He added that communities would determine their priorities through Ward Development Committees, stressing that the funds would be disbursed transparently in line with the governor’s commitment to inclusive development.

According to him, Governor Sani believes that meaningful progress at the grassroots is vital to the overall advancement of Kaduna State and is determined to ensure balanced development so that no community is left behind.

Also speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai, announced that the state’s Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development has become fully operational, describing it as a major boost to human capital development.

‘’Student enrolment has been complemented and training under both Kaduna State supported programmes and the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) framework has begun

‘’The Institute has the capacity to train up to 32,000 students annually across 14 trade areas, positioning it as a key driver of skills development, employability, and workforce readiness within the State,’’ she added.

On why education received the largest share of the budget, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo, said the decision aligns with international recommendations and the governor’s priorities.

‘’The basis for giving the Education sector about ¼ of the budget is because, His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani places priority on education,’’ the Commissioner added.

‘’This priority is in line with UNESCO’s declaration to developing nations to devote about ¼ of the their budgets to education because the UN has estimated that this allocation will be sufficient to uplift education to the desirable level, for them to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),’’ said.

Several members of the State Executive Council were present at the briefing, including the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki; Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo; Commissioner for Agriculture Finance, Alhaji Ibrahim T. Muhammad; and Commissioner for Agriculture, Murtala Dabo.

Others in attendance were the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Alhaji Abubakar Buba; Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai; Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Barde Yunana Markus; and Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu.