By Mohammed Dala Lawan
Yobe State Government has pledged to create a budget that reflects the will and aspirations of its people.
Governor Mai Mala Buni gave the assurance at a stakeholders’ budget dialogue and citizens’ engagement for the 2026 budget, held in Damaturu, the state capital.
The event, organised by ActionAid Nigeria in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), and the Network for Civil Society Organisations, brought together stakeholders from the three senatorial districts.
Governor Buni, represented at the occasion, by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Baba Mallam Wali, commended the organisers for taking the initiative to reflect the voices of the common man and include their actual yearnings and aspirations in the budget preparation and implementation.
He expressed his administration’s readiness to welcome ideas that will help transform the state.
“The importance of citizens’ participation in the process of formulating government policies and programs assists the government in fulfilling its aspirations and yearnings of the people,” Governor Buni said.
Governor Buni pointed out that such participation shows responsiveness to the citizens and a clear intention to address them by the government in a collaborative and accountable manner.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Coordinator for ActionAid Nigeria, Mr. Kenneth Unuafe, said the collaboration between ActionAid, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the Yobe State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning aimed to address pressing challenges facing many communities across the state.
“As many of you may know, North East Nigeria has faced many years of conflict and violence affecting Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States,” Mr. Unuafe stated.
According to Mr. Unuafe, ActionAid recognises that food security and livelihood interventions must extend beyond mere material support.
While enhancing access to food and livelihood is vital, the Programme Coordinator explained that ActionAid will not overlook the importance of protection and social cohesion.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mohammad Garba, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Hamidu Isa Babi, said the most critical aspect of budget planning and formulation is the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
“This framework aligns budget planning with Yobe State’s fiscal realities and long-term development priorities”.
In an address of welcome, the Director of Budget and Economic Planning, Zainab Abdu Sale, stated that the government alone cannot know everything unless the people contribute and participate in decision-making.
The Chairman of the Yobe Network for Civil Society Organisations, Mohammed Baba Kuchichi, presented a compiled list of requests from the three zones.
He further recommended establishing a formal feedback mechanism comprising members of the National Assembly in future engagements and ensuring that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) align with the state’s development plans.
Leave a Reply