Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State presented a N517.5 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly on Wednesday in Lafia. Anchored on the theme, “Budget of Strategic Consolidation,” the proposal prioritizes key areas, including consolidating infrastructure, boosting job creation through industrialisation and agriculture, enhancing healthcare and education, and strengthening urban renewal and environmental management.
Outlining the priorities of the new fiscal plan, Governor Sule stated that the 2026 Budget seeks to consolidate ongoing infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and economic competitiveness. This is alongside efforts to expand job creation through industrialisation, SME support, and agricultural productivity, while also improving the quality and accessibility of basic healthcare and education services, and intensifying urban renewal and environmental management efforts.
The total N517.5 billion budget is strategically structured to prioritize capital expenditure, with N304.75 billion (58.88%) allocated to capital projects, while N212.79 billion (41.12%) is earmarked for recurrent expenditure. Governor Sule highlighted the broad sectoral allocation, noting that the Economic Sector received the largest share at N221.84 billion, followed by the Social Sector at N170.92 billion, the Administrative Sector at N108.70 billion, and the Law and Justice Sector at N16.09 billion.
Further dissecting the budget, the Governor provided a detailed sub-sectoral breakdown, illustrating the core priorities. Infrastructure received the highest allocation with N157.80 billion (30.49%), closely followed by Governance, Security, and General Administration at N142.96 billion (27.62%). Other significant allocations include Education at N92.91 billion (7.95%), Finance, Investment & Trade at N39.19 billion (7.57%), and the Health sector, which secured N37.19 billion (7.19%). The remaining allocations cover key areas such as Agriculture & Water Resources (N31.85 billion), Environment & Community Development (N28.32 billion), Information & Tourism (N18.65 billion), Legislation (N16.59 billion), Law & Justice (N16.09 billion), Youth & Sport Development (N10.01 billion), Science, Technology & Digital Economy (N4.92 billion), and Humanitarian & Women Empowerment (N2.50 billion).
The governor said that his administration remains committed to enhancing capacity to serve the people of Nasarawa State.
“Ensuring that our progress is sustainable and benefits future generations. To achieve this, we have established six (6) strategic agencies in key sectors to drive modernisation, institutional strengthening,
The Governor concluded his address by highlighting the importance of several new agencies created to bolster economic growth, public safety, and regulatory frameworks. These key agencies include the Nasarawa State Fire & Rescue Service Agency, the Nasarawa State Education Trust Fund (NASETFund), the Institute of Leather & Science Technology in Doma, and the Nasarawa State Multi-Door Court House (NSMDC).
Responding to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, assured him of the Assembly’s commitment to the timely and diligent passage of the budget. “I want to reassure you that the 7th Assembly under my leadership will continue to uphold the highest standards of legislative excellence,” Jatau stated, pledging to “remain steadfast in our mandate, and… provide the necessary legislative backing to ensure that government policies and programmes are implemented smoothly, effectively, and without hindrance.”
Furthermore, Jatau issued a firm warning to implementing bodies, urging all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to comply strictly with budgetary provisions, describing adherence as “non-negotiable.” He concluded by confirming, “Let me state clearly that this 2026 Appropriation Bill will receive the diligent and timely attention it deserves.”
“In this regard, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies must rededicate themselves to efficiency and compliance with all budgetary provisions. This is non-negotiable,” he added.
Jatau also called on the people of Nasarawa State to continue promoting peace, unity, and mutual respect, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious affiliations, while supporting the governor’s development agenda.
