By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
The three-day public consultation on the proposed 2027 Budget of Bauchi State has ended, with stakeholders commending the State Government for the ongoing implementation of the 2026 budget.
The consultation, organised by the State Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, commenced on August 31, 2026, in the Northern Senatorial Zone, comprising seven Local Government Areas, before moving to the Central Senatorial Zone with six LGAs and concluding on September 2 in the Southern Senatorial Zone, comprising seven LGAs.
During the engagements, stakeholders were taken through the budget preparation process and the actual performance of the 2026 budget across key sectors.
Participants, including representatives of civil society organisations, religious and community leaders, traditional institutions, associations, local government administrations, persons with disabilities and school children, made recommendations and identified priority areas they want reflected in the proposed 2027 budget.
In her keynote address, the State Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Hajiya Amina Muhammad Katagum, said the preparation of the state budget was not merely an annual financial exercise but a strategic process through which government translated its development priorities, policies and programmes into interventions capable of improving citizens’ lives.
She said the consultation demonstrated the government’s commitment to participatory, transparent, inclusive and result-oriented budgeting, stressing that the 2027 budget should reflect the aspirations, priorities and genuine needs of the people.
According to her, the views gathered from citizens and stakeholders would provide valuable inputs for the formulation of a realistic and people-centred budget, with particular attention to education, healthcare, water and sanitation, agriculture, infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, employment creation, entrepreneurship, social protection and economic diversification.
The Commissioner also highlighted the need for government to strengthen internally generated revenue, improve expenditure efficiency, reduce wastage, enhance project implementation and ensure greater value for public resources.
She assured participants that their recommendations would be carefully considered, noting that although not every request could be accommodated due to resource constraints, the consultation would help government establish priorities and allocate available resources more effectively.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ibrahim Ahmed Rufa’i, said the 2027 budget must not only reflect government priorities but also respond to the needs, aspirations and development challenges of citizens.
He noted that limited fiscal resources made it necessary for government to prioritise realistic, affordable and sustainable programmes and projects capable of delivering measurable results.
Rufa’i therefore urged stakeholders to continue providing constructive and practical recommendations that would help the government develop a budget capable of promoting inclusive economic growth, human capital development, improved livelihoods, employment opportunities and sustainable development across the state.
The consultation ended with stakeholders calling for their submissions and recommendations to be given due consideration in the final 2027 budget, while pledging continued partnership with the State Government towards achieving improved development outcomes.
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