Kaduna Unveils ₦985.9 Billion 2026 Budget Focused on Security, Infrastructure and Human Capital Growth
Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Proposes ₦985.9bn 2026 Budget
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has presented a ₦985.9 billion Appropriation Bill for 2026 to the Kaduna State House of Assembly, outlining an expansionary fiscal plan aimed at strengthening security, accelerating infrastructure delivery, and deepening investments in education, agriculture, and human development. The proposal significantly larger than the ₦790 billion budget approved for 2025 signals the administration’s intent to consolidate recent gains and scale state-wide development initiatives.
In his presentation at Lugard Hall, the Governor described the 2026 fiscal framework as “a people-centred roadmap shaped directly by community input, sector experts, and grassroots consultations across all 23 LGAs.”
Kaduna’s budget preparation drew contributions from traditional institutions, civil society groups, women and youth networks, professional associations, persons with disabilities, farmers, artisans, and widows. According to the Governor, this engagement model ensures that the budget reflects local priorities and strengthens public ownership of government programmes.
Revenue and Expenditure Framework
The proposed budget forecasts:
₦734.2 billion in recurrent revenue
₦251.6 billion in capital receipts
Capital expenditure allocation: 71%
The administration has prioritised capital investment to stimulate inclusive growth, expand economic corridors, and tackle structural gaps in key sectors.
Sectoral Allocations
Education — 25%
Infrastructure — 25%
Health — 15%
Agriculture — 11%
Security — 6%
Social Development — 5%
Governance — 5%
Climate Action — 4%
A central component of the fiscal plan is the Ward Development Initiative, which allocates ₦100 million to each of the state’s 255 wards for community-selected projects described by the Governor as Nigeria’s “largest grassroots budgeting framework.”
Review of 2025 Performance: Security and Infrastructure
Governor Sani highlighted progress in 2025 despite fiscal pressures and persistent security challenges. Improved collaboration with federal security agencies restored relative stability in communities previously affected by banditry and communal tensions. Schools reopened, farmlands became accessible again, and reconciliation programmes under the Kaduna Peace Model gained momentum.
Kaduna is currently implementing 140 road projects spanning 1,335 kilometres, with 64 already completed. The administration stated that new transport links are opening economic opportunities and reconnecting underserved communities.
Major initiatives include:
Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) — Northern Nigeria’s first BRT system, featuring CNG-powered buses, digital ticketing, and a 24-kilometre corridor
Interstate Bus Terminal, Kakuri — 75% completed
Kaduna Light Rail Project—Phase I: Rigachikun–Sabon Tasha; Phase II: Millennium City–Rigasa
Subsidised transport scheme reportedly saving residents over ₦500 million
Agriculture and Food Security
Kaduna expanded agricultural investment from ₦1.4 billion in 2023 to ₦74.2 billion in 2025, enabling large-scale interventions across the value chain. Key outcomes include:
Recovery of more than 500,000 hectares of abandoned farmland
Distribution of over 900 trucks of free fertiliser
Expanded irrigation, mechanisation, extension services, seed improvement programmes, and livestock vaccination
Advancement of the $510 million Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) supported by the African Development Bank—positioning Kaduna as a growing agro-industrial hub
Education and Healthcare Investments
The Governor emphasised education as the foundation of Kaduna’s long-term development. In 2025:
535 schools reopened
300,000 out-of-school children returned to classrooms
Tertiary fees reduced by 40%
736 classrooms constructed and 1,220 renovated
33,000 teachers trained
Expansion of bilingual schools and vocational education hubs
In the health sector, all 255 Primary Healthcare Centres were upgraded to Level 2 classification. Additional achievements include:
Renovation of 15 general hospitals and completion of five others
Launch of the 300-bed Bola Tinubu Specialist Hospital
Implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS
Strengthening of emergency response infrastructure and oxygen supply systems
₦1 billion earmarked for health insurance coverage for vulnerable households
Human Capital and Skills Development
Kaduna continued its investment in technical and vocational training through:
Establishment of the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development, Rigachikun
Two satellite campuses in additional LGAs
Partnerships with Microsoft and Google on digital skills
Remodelling of Panteka Market, supporting over 38,000 artisans
Legislative Response
Speaker Yusuf Liman commended the proposal as ambitious, development-driven, and strategically aligned with Kaduna’s long-term growth priorities. He assured that the House would conduct a transparent review and collaborate closely with the Executive to accelerate project delivery across all LGAs.
