Kano and Taraba Unveil 2026 Budgets with Major Focus on Education, Infrastructure, and Youth Development

On Wednesday, the governors of Kano and Taraba states submitted their 2026 budget proposals to their respective Houses of Assembly, emphasizing investments in infrastructure, education, and human capital development.

In Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf presented a N1.36 trillion Appropriation Bill, highlighting his administration’s commitment to completing legacy projects and promoting inclusive growth across the state. The proposed budget allocates N934.6 billion (68%) to capital projects, while recurrent expenditure accounts for N433.4 billion, marking one of the highest capital-to-recurrent ratios in recent state history.

Governor Yusuf revealed that education would receive the largest allocation at N405.3 billion (30%), followed by infrastructure at N346.2 billion (25%), and health at N212.2 billion (16%). “These allocations demonstrate our dedication to developing human capital, safeguarding citizens’ well-being, and establishing a solid foundation for sustainable growth,” he said. Other sectors such as agriculture, security, commerce, water resources, environment, tourism, women and youth development, and support for people with special needs also received significant funding. Yusuf urged lawmakers to approve the bill promptly for effective implementation.

In Taraba, Governor Agbu Kefas presented a N650 billion budget for 2026 to the state House of Assembly in Jalingo, naming it the “Budget of Development We Can See.” The plan allocates N457 billion (70.36%) for capital expenditure and N192 billion (29.64%) for recurrent spending. Kefas stated that the budget aims to accelerate infrastructure development, particularly in roads, transportation, education, and health, while emphasizing truth, impact, and tangible progress. He also stressed the importance of youth inclusion as a cornerstone for peace and sustainable development.

Responding, Speaker John Kizito Bonzena praised the governor’s leadership, noting enhanced unity and cooperation within the Assembly, which is entirely composed of APC lawmakers. He commended the government’s achievements in education, security, infrastructure, and human capital development, as well as the consistent payment of pensions and gratuities. The Speaker assured that the Assembly would expedite the review and passage of the budget to ensure a stable budget cycle.