2026 Budget: Why Kaduna allocated ₦100m to each ward — Commissioner

Kaduna State Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Hon. Mukhtar Ahmed Morovia, has explained why Governor Uba Sani set aside ₦100 million for each of the state’s 255 wards in the 2026 budget, describing it as a major step toward boosting grassroots development.

Governor Sani signed the ₦985.9 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law on Monday, with education receiving the highest share — 25 percent of the total budget.

According to the governor, ₦698.9 billion, or 70.9 percent, is earmarked for capital projects aimed at improving infrastructure, expanding the economy, and strengthening public services.

Recurrent expenditure stands at ₦287 billion, representing 29.1 percent of the budget.

Speaking at the post-budget briefing, Morovia said the ₦100 million allocation to each ward reflects the administration’s commitment to inclusive development.

He added that the funds will be released transparently, and communities — through Ward Development Committees — will decide the priority projects they want implemented.

He explained that the funds will focus on projects in health, education, agriculture, and social services, to be executed by relevant ministries and agencies.

The initiative, he said, is designed to ensure no community is left behind.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai, revealed that the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development is now fully operational, training students under both state and federal TVET programmes.

The institute can train up to 32,000 students yearly across 14 trades, positioning it as a major hub for skills development and job readiness.

Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo, justified the significant allocation to education, noting that it aligns with UNESCO recommendations encouraging developing nations to dedicate about a quarter of their budgets to the sector in order to meet global education and development goals.

Several members of the State Executive Council were present at the briefing, including commissioners overseeing information, agriculture, environment, humanitarian affairs, and social development.