From Nasir Shuaibu BAUCHI
The Bauchi State Government has called for improved revenue generation and greater efficiency in public spending as it begins preparations for the 2027 budget.
Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Hajiya Amina Muhammad Katagum, made the call during a three-day public consultation on the proposed 2027 budget held across the state's three senatorial zones.
The consultation, which ended on September 2, provided stakeholders with an opportunity to review the implementation of the 2026 budget and make recommendations for the 2027 fiscal year.
The exercise started on August 31 in the Northern Senatorial Zone, comprising seven Local Government Areas, moved to the Central Zone with six LGAs and concluded in the Southern Zone, which has seven LGAs.
Katagum said government needed to strengthen internally generated revenue, improve expenditure management, reduce wastage and enhance project implementation to ensure maximum value for public resources.
She said the budget process should not be viewed merely as an annual financial exercise but as a strategic mechanism for translating government policies and development priorities into tangible interventions.
According to her, the consultation was aimed at ensuring that available resources were directed towards areas capable of producing meaningful improvements in the lives of citizens.
She identified education, healthcare, water and sanitation, agriculture, infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, employment creation, entrepreneurship, social protection and economic diversification as priority areas.
The commissioner assured stakeholders that their recommendations would be considered during the budget formulation process, while noting that fiscal constraints meant government would have to prioritise competing demands.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ibrahim Ahmed Rufa'i, said the 2027 budget must balance government priorities with the financial realities of the state.
He urged stakeholders to make practical recommendations that could be implemented within available resources, stressing the need for realistic, affordable and sustainable programmes.
The consultation attracted civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, community representatives, local government officials, associations, persons with disabilities and school children.
Participants called for their recommendations to be reflected in the final budget and expressed readiness to continue working with the government towards improved development outcomes across Bauchi State.
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