Gov Fintiri Presents ₦583.3 Billion ‘Budget of Sustainable Growth and Economic Renewal’ for 2026

By Emmanuel Kwada 

In a ceremony marked by optimism and legislative harmony, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri on Thursday presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill totaling ₦583,331,380,496 to the Adamawa State House of Assembly.

Dubbed the “Budget of Sustainable Growth and Economic Renewal,” it represents the governor’s sixth budget presentation and emphasizes inclusive development amid national economic challenges.

Addressing the assembly as “our House! Our home!,” Fintiri highlighted the budget’s foundation in extensive consultations with the Executive Council, lawmakers, and constituency needs, aligned with his administration’s 8-Point Agenda. He praised the assembly’s efficient legislative oversight and commitment to public service.

The governor detailed transformative achievements, including the Fintiri Business Wallet empowering 60,000 women and youth, with 100,000 more receiving ₦50,000 each starting this month—potentially alleviating poverty for 700,000 individuals.

Adamawa pioneered the ₦70,000 minimum wage implementation, advanced e-governance, and completed 21 model schools for 2026 commissioning. The Fintiri Wings scholarship sent 100 students to Turkey, while cottage hospitals operate and general facilities upgrade.

Ongoing projects span water, markets, electricity, roads, and the near-complete Yola ultramodern stadium.

Economic strides include jumping Ease of Doing Business from 23rd to 4th via SABER reforms, top-5 fiscal transparency ranking since 2023, over 50% debt reduction, and a BBB+ investment rating.

Reforms in traditional institutions created new emirates and chiefdoms, bolstering security, dispute resolution, and cohesion.

Reviewing 2025’s revised ₦621.29 billion budget, revenue hit 37.9% and expenditure 30.5% by September, prioritizing capital projects despite inflows.

The 2026 budget, pegged on $75/barrel oil and ₦1,443/$ exchange, allocates 64.06% (₦373.69 billion) to capital and 35.94% (₦209.64 billion) to recurrent. Key revenues: Statutory Allocation (23.16%), VAT (18.23%), Capital Receipts (12.20%).

Sectoral highlights include ₦120.86 billion for Works and Energy, ₦40.63 billion for Education, ₦31.93 billion for Health, ₦27.02 billion for Housing, and significant funds for commerce, youth, poverty alleviation, and university support.

Policy thrusts feature IPSAS compliance, e-budgeting, IGR growth, pension backlog clearance, and SDGs alignment. Fintiri underscored Adamawa’s peace for investment.

Concluding with thanks for executive-legislature ties and festive greetings, the governor urged passage. Speaker Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley assured thorough review.

Analysts view the budget as pragmatic, focusing on completion and social investments for renewed growth.