Kaduna 2026 Budget: Commissioner defends N100m allocation per Ward

From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

Governor Uba Sani’s decision to allocate N100 million to each of the 255 wards in Kaduna State as part of the 2026 budget, aligns with his commitment to grassroots development, according to the Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Hon. Mukhtar Ahmed Morovia.
During a post-budget press briefing, he provided this clarification following the signing of the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law.
Recall that Governor Uba Sani officially signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill on Monday, with the Education sector receiving the largest share of 25% of the total N985.9 billion budget for Kaduna State.
According to the Commissioner, N698.9 billion, representing 70.9% of the budget, is earmarked for capital expenditure, with a focus on infrastructure development, economic expansion, and improved service delivery.
Also,, recurrent expenditure is set at N287 billion, representing 29.1% of the total, to ensure that essential government services operate efficiently and responsively.
During the budget breakdown, the Planning and Budget Commissioner noted that the N100 million allocated for each ward is part of the Governor’s commitment to inclusive development and improving the quality of life for citizens at the local level.
He emphasized that these funds would be distributed transparently, allowing communities to determine their specific needs through the Ward Development Committees.
The allocation will support projects in the health, education, agriculture, and social sectors, implemented by the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Government.
The Commissioner stressed that Governor Uba Sani, a staunch advocate for inclusivity, acknowledges the importance of grassroots development for the overall progress of the state. He reassured that the allocation aims to prioritize community empowerment and ensure that no community is left behind.
In response to a question about vocational training, the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai, announced that the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development is now fully operational. She highlighted that this initiative underscores Governor Uba Sani’s determination to enhance human capital in Kaduna State.
She said: “Student enrollment has increased, and training programs under both Kaduna State-supported initiatives and the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) framework have commenced.
“The Institute has the capacity to train up to 32,000 students annually across 14 trade areas, positioning it as a key driver of skills development, employability, and workforce readiness within the state.”
Explaining the substantial funding for the education sector in the 2026 budget, the Commissioner of Education, Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo, stated that this allocation aligns with UNESCO’s recommendations.
“Governor Uba Sani prioritizes education, which is why approximately one-fourth of the budget is allocated to this sector.
“This approach follows UNESCO’s guidelines, urging developing nations to devote about 25% of their budgets to education.
“ The UN has estimated that such allocations will significantly uplift education to meet the desired standards necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he added.
Members of the State Executive Council present at the briefing included the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki; Commissioner of Education, Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo; Commissioner of Agricultural Finance, Alhaji Ibrahim T. Muhammad; Commissioner of Agriculture, Murtala Dabo; Commissioner of Environment and Natural Resources, Alhaji Abubakar Buba; Mrs. Patience Fakai, Commissioner of Business Innovation and Technology; Barde Yunana Markus, Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs; and Hajiya Rabi Salisu, Commissioner of Human Services and Social Development.