Plateau Unveils ₦817bn 2026 Budget: Prioritizing Roads, Food Security, Water, Economic Growth

By Asile Abel, Jos

The Plateau State Government has released the detailed breakdown of its 2026 budget, tagged “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability 2,” with a clear focus on road infrastructure, food security, water supply, and broader economic expansion.

The presentation was delivered by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Adam’s B. Lekshak, at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos.

The event followed the signing into law of the 2026 Appropriation Bill by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and was attended by members of the press, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders. The exercise aimed to promote transparency and enable citizens to better understand the government’s priorities for the coming fiscal year.

The total budget size stands at ₦817,509,699,432.00 (Eight Hundred and Seventeen Billion, Five Hundred and Nine Million, Six Hundred and Ninety-Nine Thousand, Four Hundred and Thirty-Two Naira only).

This represents a substantial increase of ₦318,058,528,321.37 over the 2025 approved budget, underscoring the administration’s resolve to scale up developmental projects and enhance the quality of life for Plateau residents.

Presenting the breakdown, Hon. Lekshak explained that the document clearly outlines the government’s approved programmes and policies for 2026 implementation.

Infrastructure remains a top priority, with the Works and Transport sector receiving ₦92,714,080,570 (11.34% of the total budget). These funds will support extensive road construction, rehabilitation, and transport sector reforms across the state.

Food security is another key focus. The Agriculture and Rural Development sector has been allocated ₦48.01 billion (5.87%), aimed at boosting agricultural production, supporting farmers, and strengthening rural economies to ensure sustainable food supply.

One of the largest sectoral allocations goes to Water, Sanitation and Energy, with ₦107,177,176,456 (13.10%). This funding will drive water-related projects and energy programmes to improve access to clean water and reliable power in both urban and rural communities.

Other notable allocations include: Lands, Housing and Urban Development: ₦29.19 billion (3.57%) for land acquisition, housing delivery, and urban renewal projects; Women, Youth and Sports Development: ₦11.47 billion (1.4%) to advance youth empowerment, sports, and gender-focused initiatives; Tourism, Culture and Hospitality: ₦4.44 billion (0.54%); Information and Publication: ₦3.83 billion to strengthen public communication; Commerce and Industries: ₦1.86 billion to stimulate commercial and industrial growth;  Finance and Economy: ₦53.01 billion for economic programmes and contractual obligations; Law and Justice: ₦18.78 billion to support the judiciary and justice delivery; Environment and Mineral Development: ₦15.50 billion to tackle environmental challenges and climate issues.

Commissioner Lekshak urged all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to strictly adhere to budget implementation guidelines. He also called on civil society organisations to actively monitor project execution to ensure accountability, transparency, and value for money.

He reaffirmed that the 2026 budget is carefully designed to deliver measurable development outcomes, improve living standards, and sustain Plateau State’s economic progress under the current administration.