By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
The Taraba State House of Assembly has formally ratified a N653.5 billion budget estimate for the 2026 fiscal year, making it the first state legislature in Nigeria to conclude the approval process for the upcoming financial cycle.
The appropriation bill, presented to lawmakers by the state government roughly three weeks ago, was endorsed on Monday after detailed review and deliberation by the Assembly.
Speaker of the House, John Bonzena, emphasised that the swift passage of the budget underscores the legislature’s constitutional mandate to authorise public finances. He commended members of the Appropriations Committee for their thorough examination of the estimates, which culminated in the final figures.
Bonzena highlighted that the early approval will afford the Governor and the state executive adequate lead time to implement programmes and deliver democratic dividends to citizens. He also urged both standing and ad hoc committees of the Assembly to maintain robust oversight throughout the budget’s implementation phase.
The 2026 budget, tagged “Development We Can See,” was initially presented at N650.63 billion by Governor Agbu Kefas before the legislature’s adjustments. The approved plan allocates approximately N457 billion (about 70.36 per cent) to capital expenditure, reflecting the state’s focus on infrastructure and development projects, while recurrent costs total around N192 billion (29.64 per cent).
At its presentation, Governor Kefas described the fiscal blueprint as one driven by impact and tangible transformation, prioritising key sectors including road construction, transportation, education and healthcare.
The Speaker also lamented the recurrent non-appearance of certain heads of ministries, departments and agencies during budget defence sessions, calling for greater accountability and cooperation going forward.
