How Kaduna plans to fund 2026 budget without fresh loans, by Commissioner

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Hon. Muktar Ahmed Monrovia, says the 2026 budget will be financed without any new loans, noting that Governor Uba Sani has not borrowed since assuming office.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Malam Ibraheem Musa, the Commissioner explained that the budget will be funded through statutory allocations, internally generated revenue, and grants.

He said confusion arose from the “loan drawdown” section of the budget, which some media outlets misinterpreted.

According to him, the drawdowns relate to loans secured by previous administrations, which are still being accessed — not fresh borrowing by the current government.

Monrovia added that cancelling those loan agreements would attract penalties higher than the interest payments.

Despite financial pressures, he said, the administration continues to service both the principal and interest on existing loans.

He assured that the Uba Sani administration remains committed to prudent spending and inclusive development, stressing that misinformation will not derail its goals. He also commended the alignment of the fiscal and calendar years, as implementation of the 2026 budget began on January 1.

Governor Uba Sani had earlier signed the ₦985.9 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law on December 22, 2025, allocating 25% to education — the largest share. Capital spending accounts for ₦698.9 billion (70.9%), aimed at infrastructure, economic growth, and better services, while recurrent expenditure stands at ₦287 billion (29.1%).

Breaking down the budget, the governor said infrastructure and rural development also received 25%, health got 15%, and agriculture and food security 11.65%.

He emphasized that each ward in Kaduna State will receive ₦100 million for community projects to be determined by residents themselves.