By: John Bassey, Kebbi.

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, on Thursday presented a budget proposal of N642,930,818,157.99 billion to the State House of Assembly.

The 2026 budget is titled: “Budget of Transformation and People Empowerment.”

Presenting the budget to the members in the assembly’s chamber, the governor stated that capital expenditure would account for 75 percent of the total budget, while recurrent expenditure would comprise 25 percent.

He said the figures translated to a capital expenditure of N479 billion and a total recurrent expenditure stood at N163 billion.

The governor extended sincere appreciation to the House for the continued cooperation and legislative support over the last 31 months.

“Your partnership has greatly strengthened public administration in Kebbi. Over this period, our administration has recorded tangible improvements across strategic achievements, which were made possible through the support and constructive engagement of this assembly.

“Your consistent backing reinforces our resolve to fulfil our mandate to the citizens of Kebbi State. Together, we continue to prioritise development, accountability, and responsible governance.

“I acknowledge your prompt consideration of the 2025 Appropriation Bill and subsequent legislation, which have facilitated effective policy implementation across the state this year,” he said.

Idris observed that the timely payment of salaries and operational expenses had been sustained, guaranteeing continuous government service delivery, adding that his administration would remain committed to the welfare of retirees through the full settlement of pensions and gratuities.

According to him, Kebbi remains one of the states in Nigeria with no outstanding pension or gratuity liabilities and promised to maintain the position, “Insha-Allah, the welfare of both active and retired civil servants remains a priority.”

The governor assured that his administration had committed substantial investments to infrastructure, particularly in the areas of roads and educational facilities, while consolidating agriculture “as the base of our economic growth.”

He said the administration had engaged the African Development Bank (AfDB) through a joint initiative with the Federal Government to promote agricultural industrialisation under the Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ) scheme.

Idris confirmed that the 2026 budget incorporated N45 billion AfDB financing facility for the rollout of the SAPZ in Argungu as well as Agricultural Transformations Centres (ATCS) in Kalgo and Zuru.

This, he said, was expected to revolutionise agricultural processing, expand value chain opportunities, and stimulate job creation.

He restated the commitment of his government to mobilising more development finance partnerships to advance the transformation journey of Kebbi.

“Security and stability remain core to our development objectives. This budget dedicates adequate resources in excess of N30 billion to strengthen operational capacity, intelligence, and community structures.

“To improve access to potable water and electricity, over N15 billion is projected for ongoing borehole development and electrification efforts across urban and rural communities.

“The Kebbi Geographical Information System (KEBGIS) is receiving institutional strengthening to modernise land administration, enhance data systems and expand IGR channels,” he said.

The governor noted that a total of 30 billion had been allocated for the continued rehabilitation of the Koko-Mahuta-Dabai road, to ease transportation, boost agricultural logistics, and support economic activities.

On health, the governor added that his administration had commenced the rehabilitation and equipping of 19 General Hospitals, including Bunza, Argungu, Kukah, Kaoje, Jega, and Zuru, amongst others.

He said plans were on the way to fully revamp all 30 general hospitals in Kebbi by the end of the first quarter of 2026, assuring that with the support of the house in passing the 2026 appropriation bill, we shall achieve the set target.

“Still on the health sector, 157 of our Primary Health Care centres are at various stages of revitalization and it is hoped that all PHCs in the state will be fully revitalized by the end of the 2026 fiscal year,” the governor noted.

Speaking on urban development, he said, the government had initiated targeted renewal projects focusing on upgrading township roads, drainage networks, street lighting, and beautification, adding that “the 2026 budget provides for expanded urban revitalisation in all Local Governments across the state.”

Responding, the Speaker, Kebbi House of Assembly, Alhaji Mohammed Usman-Zuru assured the governor that the house would carefully deliberate on the proposed budget and ensure speedy passage.

He pressed the governor to implement over 80 per cent of the 2025 budget and fulfilled 90 per cent of his campaign promises.

Usman-Zuru also appreciated the governor for executing different developmental projects across the state.