Gombe State has taken a frontline position in the collective fight against insecurity in Northern Nigeria with the allocation of N12 billion to the Regional Security Fund in its 2026 budget.
Governor Muhammadu Yahaya on Monday signed the N617.95 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law at the Council Chamber of the Government House, Gombe, formally authorising the implementation of what he described as the “Budget of Consolidation.”
A major highlight of the budget is the N12 billion provision for the Northern Security Fund, amounting to a N1 billion monthly contribution, in line with resolutions of the Northern States Governors’ Forum.
According to Yahaya, the allocation places Gombe State at the forefront of coordinated regional efforts to address insecurity through consistent and practical funding.
Yahaya said, “The move reflects the administration’s firm commitment to the protection of lives and property. Security remains the foundation upon which development and economic growth are built.”
Beyond security, the 2026 budget allocates N189 billion to recurrent expenditure, representing 21.6 per cent of the total budget, while N428.5 billion, or 69.4 per cent, is earmarked for capital projects. The capital-heavy budget underscores the administration’s focus on infrastructure development, service delivery and long-term economic growth.
The governor had initially presented a N535.69 billion proposal to the Gombe State House of Assembly. Following legislative scrutiny, lawmakers approved an upward adjustment of over N82 billion, bringing the final budget size to N617.95 billion.
Speaking after signing the bill, Yahaya said the 2026 budget prioritises critical sectors, including health, education, social investment, environmental protection and mineral resources development, while also making special provision for the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
“This administration remains committed to delivering a realistic and responsible budget that directly responds to the needs of our people,” the governor said.
He added that budget implementation under his leadership has consistently exceeded 70 per cent, noting that since assuming office, his administration has invested across all sectors of the state’s economy.
While insisting that the impact of government policies and projects is evident in both urban and rural communities, Yahaya commended the Gombe State House of Assembly for what he described as a people-oriented and diligent review of the budget, praising lawmakers for their unity and full participation throughout the process.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for continued support to Gombe State through various development interventions, while calling for sustained assistance in the coming year.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, said the lawmakers were at the Government House to formally present the 2026 Appropriation Bill for the governor’s assent.
He explained that the House received the budget proposal on November 13, 2025, and subjected it to rigorous scrutiny, including an extended Appropriation Committee session held in Calabar, Cross River State, which contributed to the adjustments made to the document.
Luggerewo praised the governor for ongoing development projects across the state, particularly in health and education, recalling that a recent state-organised health summit attracted global experts who acknowledged Gombe’s steady progress in healthcare delivery.
He said the Assembly’s adjustments were made in good faith and in the overall interest of the people, while also commending the governor for fostering a healthy working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government.
