Uba Sani signs ₦985.9bn 2026 budget, allocates 25% to education

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, with education receiving the highest allocation of 25 percent of the ₦985.9 billion budget.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Council Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, the Governor said the budget reflects his administration’s determination to consolidate achievements recorded so far while laying a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.

According to him, ₦698.9 billion, representing 70.9 percent of the budget, is earmarked for capital expenditure to drive infrastructure development, economic expansion and improved service delivery. Recurrent expenditure stands at ₦287 billion, or 29.1 percent, to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of government services.

Governor Sani explained that education received the largest share because of his administration’s belief that knowledge remains the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and securing the future of children. Infrastructure and rural transformation also account for 25 percent of the budget, underscoring the government’s resolve to open up communities, connect markets and stimulate economic activities across the state.

Health was allocated 15 percent of the budget, reflecting the administration’s conviction that a healthy population is central to productivity and human dignity, while agriculture and food security received 11.65 percent to boost food production, empower farmers and strengthen the local economy.

The Governor added that deliberate provisions were made for climate change initiatives, nutrition and environmental sustainability, in recognition of present realities and responsibilities to future generations.

Titled “Budget of Consolidation of Transformation for Inclusive Development,” the 2026 budget, according to the Governor, is designed to correct long-standing exclusion and promote grassroots development. He disclosed that ₦100 million has been allocated to each ward in the state for community-driven projects, allowing residents to determine their development priorities.

Governor Sani reiterated his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline, noting that the 2026 budget introduces no new loans and that ₦114.9 billion has already been spent on debt servicing.

He described the budget as more than figures and projections, saying it represents progress, opportunity and improved quality of life for the people of Kaduna State. However, he stressed that its success would depend on effective implementation and sustained collaboration with the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

The Governor assured of continued cordial relations with the legislature, noting that collective efforts have helped position Kaduna as a bastion of peace and stability, which he described as the foundation for development.