The Yobe State Government has commenced consultations with citizens and key stakeholders towards the preparation of the 2027 state budget, with the government proposing a N437 billion fiscal plan for the coming financial year.
This is contained in a statement by the Focal Person, Digital and Strategic Communications to the Yobe State Government, Yusuf Ali.
According to him, the one-day stakeholders and citizens engagement, held at the Damaturu Local Government Town Hall, brought together traditional rulers, civil society organisations, development partners, community groups, professional associations and other stakeholders to articulate the needs and aspirations of the people for consideration in the 2027 budget.
The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Garba Gagiyo, said the engagement was in line with the commitment of the Federal and Yobe State governments to inclusive, transparent and participatory budgeting, as provided under the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
Gagiyo said the needs, priorities and aspirations presented by citizens and stakeholders would form an integral part of the 2027 budget preparation process.
He explained that the state government remained committed to realistic budgeting, transparency and accountability, noting that fiscal discipline was essential to achieving sustainable development and delivering projects within available resources.
The chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Ibrahim Buba Kalallawa, assured that the legislature would continue to support initiatives aimed at producing a people-oriented budget, while strengthening internally generated revenue for improved development financing.
Declaring the engagement open on behalf of Governor Mai Mala Buni, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Mohamed Goje, said citizens’ engagement and participation remained central to the state’s budget process.
According to him, the administration believes that “government must listen before deciding,” stressing that inputs from citizens, civil society organisations, development partners and other stakeholders would help ensure that public expenditure remains responsive to the actual needs of the people.
Dr Goje said the government would adopt a realistic approach in preparing the 2027 financial projection, taking into account the state’s resources and prevailing economic realities.
He disclosed that the proposed 2027 budget stands at N437 billion, representing an average reduction of about N78 billion compared with the previous budget projection.
The SSG explained that the reduction was deliberate and reflected the administration’s commitment to fiscal realism, budget credibility and sustainability, rather than making projections that may be difficult to implement.
He stressed that the objective was to ensure that available resources were channelled towards credible, achievable and impactful projects and programmes within the financial year.
The engagement provided an opportunity for stakeholders to directly present their development priorities, challenges and aspirations, with various groups submitting proposals for consideration and possible inclusion in the 2027 budget.
