Bwari Area Council earmarks N30.6bn for 2026 appropriation

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By Veronica Dariya

Mr John Gabaya, the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, FCT, on Wednesday presented a budget of N30.6 billion for 2026 to the council’s legislature for approval.

Gabaya tagged it budget of “Consolidating Developmental Gains and Strengthening Service Delivery for Sustainable Growth.”

He said that the budget comprised a total of N22.9 billion for capital expenditure and N7.6 billion for recurrent expenditure.

He said that the primary focus of the budget was to complete ongoing projects from 2025, noting that the presentation marked the final appropriation proposal of his tenure.

“This is particularly significant, as it represents the final appropriation proposal of this administration, scheduled to conclude in June 2026.

“It, therefore, provides an opportunity not only to outline our achievements, but to sustain ongoing projects and ensure a smooth transition for the incoming administration,” he said.

Gabaya said that the budget reflected his administration’s determination to strengthen service delivering across all sectors and improve the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the council.

He added that the budget was expected to promote accountability and transparency, enhance socio-economic welfare of residents and lay a good foundation for continuity of development beyond his administration.

The chairman said that the appropriation was taken within the prevailing economic realities of the country, including fluctuating national revenue, inflationary pressures and increasing demand for social infrastructure and public service.

He further said that in spite of all the challenges, his administration remained committed to prioritising projects and programmes that would directly impact the lives of residents across communities in Bwari.

“With the collaborative efforts of the executive and legislative arms of this council, developmental projects were successfully executed, while others are at the advanced stages of completion,” he said.

Gabaya further said that his administration, within the year under review, successfully implemented the new approved minimum wage for staff of the council.

“The administration was also able to pay a chunk of unremitting pension deductions, manage its payroll system, supervise, coordinate and monitor government programmes and projects in the area,” he said.

In his response, Mr Dogara Ahmed, Speaker of the council, commended the chairman’s efforts.

He noted that Gabaya’s administration’s infrastructural development helped to boost economic and social activities in the area.

Ahmed prayed that the council’s joint allocation, IGR, and other sources of income would improve to ensure successful implementation of the budget.

“A well-crafted budget is not an end in itself, but rather in its implementation.

“The legislators will, however, endeavour to diligently scrutinise and pass the budget in good time to facilitate the early commencement of its implementation,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidi Opara

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