Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, on Monday presented a ₦985.9 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Kaduna State House of Assembly, describing it as a people-centred financial plan aimed at deepening ongoing reforms in security, infrastructure, education, agriculture and rural development.
Speaking at Lugard Hall, the governor said the budget presentation was not only a constitutional requirement but “a solemn civic engagement built on transparency, equity and the welfare of citizens.”
Extensive consultations shaped the budget
According to Sani, the 2026 proposal was developed through one of the broadest stakeholder consultations in the state’s history. Inputs were taken from traditional rulers, civil society organisations, women and youth groups, academia, business leaders and vulnerable groups across all 23 LGAs.
He added that contributions from farmers, traders, teachers, artisans, persons with disabilities and widows formed the backbone of the document — a process he said strengthened participatory governance and accountability.
2025: A year of resilience despite economic pressures
Reviewing the 2025 performance, Sani said the year recorded “remarkable achievements and resilient advancement,” despite dwindling federal allocations, inflationary pressures and persistent security threats.
On security, the governor said Kaduna faced evolving challenges ranging from banditry and kidnappings to communal conflicts, but noted that enhanced collaboration with federal security agencies had improved operations and restored calm in several affected communities.
He said the Kaduna Peace Model had continued to reconcile previously divided communities, reopen farmlands and restore schools that were shut due to insecurity.
Infrastructure: 1,335km of roads, transport reforms
Sani said his administration is executing 140 road projects covering 1,335 kilometres, with 64 already completed. The roads, he said, have opened new economic corridors and linked long-neglected communities.
On transport reforms, the governor highlighted progress on the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) system — the first in Northern Nigeria — featuring CNG-powered buses, digital ticketing and a 24km dedicated transit corridor.
He also announced that the Interstate Bus Terminal in Kakuri is 75% completed, while the subsidised transport scheme has saved residents over ₦500 million through free and discounted rides.
The Kaduna Light Rail Project, he noted, is advancing steadily: Phase I will run from Rigachikun to Sabon Tasha, while Phase II will link Millennium City to Rigasa.
Rural development and agriculture
Sani said more than 500,000 hectares of abandoned farmlands had been recovered and reopened across rural communities. Feeder roads, markets and extension services have also been revitalised to boost food production.
He said agricultural investment in Kaduna grew from ₦1.4bn in 2023 to ₦74.2bn in 2025, enabling the distribution of over 900 trucks of free fertiliser, improved irrigation support, mechanisation, livestock vaccination and seed improvement.
The governor praised the African Development Bank–supported $510 million Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone for transforming Kaduna into an agro-industrial hub.
Education: 535 schools reopened, 300,000 out-of-school children returned
Sani said education remained the cornerstone of his administration. In 2025 alone, 535 previously closed schools were reopened and more than 300,000 out-of-school children returned to classrooms.
The state also cut tertiary tuition fees by 40%, constructed 736 classrooms, renovated 1,220, provided water and sanitation facilities, supplied furniture and trained 33,000 teachers. New bilingual schools and vocational hubs were also established.
Health system upgrades
The governor said all 255 Primary Healthcare Centres had been upgraded to Level-2 status. Fifteen General Hospitals were renovated, five completed, and the 300-bed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital commissioned.
The government also implemented CONMESS and CONHESS for health workers, built a new oxygen plant, upgraded the state medical warehouse and set aside ₦1 billion to insure vulnerable households.
Vocational training and MSME support
Sani listed progress in skills development, including the establishment of the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun and two satellite campuses, as well as partnerships with Microsoft and Google.
He added that Panteka Market is being remodelled to support over 38,000 artisans.
Breakdown of the 2026 budget
The proposed ₦985.9 billion budget includes ₦734.2 billion in recurrent revenue and ₦251.6 billion in capital receipts.
Capital expenditure accounts for 71% of the budget.
Sectoral allocations:
Sani reaffirmed that every one of Kaduna’s 255 wards will continue to receive ₦100 million annually for community-identified projects under the Ward Development Committees — one of the largest grassroots budgeting models in Nigeria.
Assembly reacts
Responding, Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Liman, described the budget as “ambitious, comprehensive and aligned with the state’s development priorities.”
He commended the governor for allowing lawmakers direct involvement in constituency projects and for maintaining a healthy separation of powers.
Liman assured that the House would conduct a transparent review of the budget and work with the executive to accelerate development across the state.
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