Gombe State has taken a leading role in regional efforts to combat 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, 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, representing a monthly contribution of N1 billion, in line with resolutions of the Northern States Governors’ Forum. Yahaya said the allocation places Gombe State at the forefront of coordinated regional efforts to tackle insecurity through sustained funding.
“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,” the governor said.
Beyond security, the budget provides N189 billion for recurrent expenditure, accounting for 21.6 per cent of the total budget, while N428.5 billion, or 69.4 per cent, is allocated to capital projects. The capital-heavy spending plan underscores the administration’s focus on infrastructure development, service delivery and long-term economic growth.
Yahaya explained that the initial N535.69 billion budget proposal submitted to the Gombe State House of Assembly was reviewed and increased by over N82 billion following legislative scrutiny, bringing the final figure to N617.95 billion.
He said the 2026 budget prioritises key sectors such as health, education, social investment, environmental protection and mineral resources development, with special provision for the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
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According to the governor, budget implementation under his administration has consistently exceeded 70 per cent, adding that investments have been made across all sectors of the state’s economy since he assumed office.
Yahaya commended the Gombe State House of Assembly for what he described as a people-oriented review process, praising lawmakers for their unity and cooperation. He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for continued support to the state through various development interventions.
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 said the budget proposal, received on November 13, 2025, underwent rigorous scrutiny, including an extended Appropriation Committee session held in Calabar, Cross River State, which informed the adjustments made.
Luggerewo praised the governor for ongoing development projects, particularly in the health and education sectors, and said the Assembly’s adjustments were made in the overall interest of the people of the state.