Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Thursday reiterated government’s commitment to participatory and transparent governance as he declared open the Citizens’ Consultative Meeting on the 2026 Budget.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the meeting provides residents with the opportunity to suggest plans and projects to be included in the fiscal year’s budget.
Represented by Manassah Jatau, Yahaya said the engagement reflects the administration’s “firm belief that good governance must be participatory, inclusive, relevant and responsive to the desires and priorities of the people.”
He expressed gratitude to God for the grace to witness the event, noting that the session underscores the government’s tradition of open dialogue with citizens before finalising the state’s annual fiscal plan.
“An effective budget is not merely a financial document; it is the roadmap for delivering the aspirations of our people and a reflection of our collective priorities as a state,” he said.
According to him, the government has institutionalized citizen consultations at every budget cycle to ensure people’s voices guide decisions on development priorities.
“This engagement provides a unique platform for our traditional leaders, women, youth, civil society organisations, and opinion leaders to contribute meaningfully to the design of the 2026 fiscal plan,” he noted. “Your inputs will help shape decisions on how scarce public resources are allocated so that they address the real needs of our communities.”
Yahaya highlighted the administration’s progress in fiscal responsibility, budget discipline, and public financial management reforms, stating that Gombe “is now consistently ranked among the top states in Nigeria in transparency and ease of doing business.”
While acknowledging that more work remains, he emphasised the government’s focus on consolidating gains and ensuring that “no citizen or community is left behind.”
“Our focus will remain on consolidating ongoing reforms and deepening investments in critical sectors that drive economic growth, job creation, and social welfare,” he said.
He further assured that the 2026 budget will align with the Gombe State Development Plan, Nigeria’s national development frameworks, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Calling for active participation, the deputy governor urged attendees to share their ideas and community priorities freely.
“This engagement is not a mere formality but an opportunity for all of us to work together in shaping the future of our dear state,” he stated. “Every contribution made here today will be carefully reviewed and integrated into the budgeting process.”
Yahaya commended the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Ministry of Finance for organising the event, declaring the forum open “to the glory of God and in the interest of Gombe’s development.”
Earlier, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Salihu Alkali, welcomed participants to the event, describing it as “an important town hall meeting on citizen engagement for the preparation of the 2026 budget.”
“Your presence here today underscores the vital role that active citizens’ participation plays in shaping the development and prosperity of our dear state,” Alkali said.
He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability, stressing that the 2026 budget will reflect the true needs and aspirations of Gombe residents.
“We believe that a successful budget is one that reflects the needs, aspirations, and contributions of all members of our community,” he explained. “Your insights, feedback, and ideas are invaluable in ensuring that resources are used effectively to improve lives.”
The commissioner added that the engagement goes beyond figures and financial discussions, representing a shared effort to build a stronger, more participatory society.
“Today, we gather not just to discuss the budget but to build a more engaged society where every voice is heard and valued,” he stated.
Alkali thanked participants for their commitment and encouraged them to contribute actively to the dialogue, emphasising that “together, we can craft a budget that is equitable, responsive, and sustainable.”
