News Rendezvous

News Rendezvous December 18, 2025

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on Thursday presented a ₦583.33 billion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Adamawa State House of Assembly, with a strong focus on infrastructure development, social services, poverty reduction and economic renewal.Tagged the “Budget of Sustainable Growth and Economic Renewal,” the proposal earmarks ₦373.69 billion (64.06 per cent) for capital expenditure, while ₦209.64 billion (35.94 per cent) is allocated to recurrent spending—reinforcing the administration’s development-driven agenda.

Presenting the budget to lawmakers, Governor Fintiri said the proposal emerged from extensive consultations with the State Executive Council, ministries, departments and agencies, as well as members of the legislature, and aligns with his administration’s 8-Point Development Agenda.

“What we are presenting today is the outcome of hard work and broad consultations aimed at scaling up development and advancing inclusive growth across Adamawa State,” the governor said.

Strong Capital Focus, Realistic Economic Assumptions

The 2026 budget is anchored andon conservative macroeconomic assumptions, including an oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel, daily oil production of 2 million barrels, an exchange rate of ₦1,443 to the dollar, GDP growth of 3.98 per cent, and an inflation rate of 19.1 per cent.Total projected revenue of ₦583.33 billion is expected from statutory allocations, VAT, independent revenue, non-oil sources, capital receipts and special funds, with capital receipts projected at over ₦71.16 billion.

Key Sectoral Allocations

Major allocations in the 2026 proposal include:

Ministry of Works and Energy Development: ₦120.86 billion, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development: ₦40.63 billion, Ministry of Health and Human Services: ₦31.93 billion, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development: ₦27.02 billion, Ministry of Commerce: ₦20.22 billion, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development: ₦18.42 billion, Other priority areas include funding for Adamawa State University, the Poverty Alleviation Agency, rural infrastructure projects, State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) initiatives, and scholarship programmes.

2025 Budget Performance Review

Governor Fintiri also reviewed the performance of the 2025 budget, which rose to ₦621.29 billion following a supplementary appropriation. As of September 30, 2025, the state had realised ₦235.34 billion in revenue, representing 37.9 per cent of the total estimate and expended ₦189.51 billion on recurrent and capital projects.

He attributed slower capital releases partly to revenue flow challenges but assured the Assembly that key infrastructure and social projects were ongoing across the state.

Welfare, Reforms and Governance Gains

Highlighting achievements of his administration, the governor cited the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, empowerment of over 60,000 women and youths through the Fintiri Business Wallet with plans to expand to 140,000 beneficiaries—and the deepening of ICT-driven governance.

He also noted improvements in the ease of doing business, with Adamawa moving from 23rd to 4th position nationally, consistent top-five rankings in fiscal transparency, and a 50 per cent reduction in the state’s debt profile.

Security, Social Cohesion and Digital Budgeting

Governor Fintiri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace and security, crediting reforms in the traditional institution for strengthening grassroots dispute resolution and social cohesion.

In a major policy shift, he announced the introduction of e-budgeting from 2026, aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs and enhancing transparency, in line with IPSAS and SABER frameworks.

Call for Legislative Support

Concluding his address, the governor appealed to members of the House for sustained cooperation, describing the legislature as a vital partner in governance.“The 2026 budget is designed to firmly place Adamawa State on the path of sustainable growth and economic renewal,” he said.The Speaker and members of the House received the budget proposal, which will now proceed to committee scrutiny and further legislative consideration.