Yobe State government has reiterated the importance of citizens participation in the process of formulating government policies and programmes to strengthen trust and accountability.
The Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Alhaji Baba Malam-Wali, made the statement Thursday in Damaturu while declaring open, a one-day citizens and stakeholders engagement on preparation for the 2026 budget.
He said citizens input in governance would enable government to address developmental needs collaboratively and promote accountability in service delivery.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Mohammed Gagiyo, said the engagement reflects Governor Mai Mala Buni’s commitment to transparency and inclusive governance.
Gagiyo, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Hamid Babi, said the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, remains central to Yobe’s fiscal planning and will guide projections, allocations and prioritisation of limited resources for maximum impact.
“The budget is not just about figures; it is about transforming numbers into actionable solutions that improve lives. Citizens contributions will shape projections and ensure that allocation go to areas with the greatest impact,” he said.
Gagiyo said declining revenue inflows, especially Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, made it imperative for the state to reduce dependence on federal allocations and explore innovative options to boost income.
The Director of Budget in the ministry, Hajiya Zainab Saleh, described the budget as a constitutional requirement, adding that the engagement reflects government’s open-door and people-oriented policy.
She urged stakeholders to contribute meaningfully towards producing a people-driven 2026 budget.
Speaking on behalf of women, Hajiya Fatima Dada appealed for more economic empowerment initiatives, including soft loans, vocational training and employment opportunities.
“We, the women of Yobe, still face many challenges. When women are comfortable, the whole society will be comfortable,” she said.
Similarly, the Secretary of Yobe Civil Society Organisations, Mr Baba Kucici presented a compiled list of citizens needs, urging government to establish a direct feedback mechanism for monitoring projects and programmes.
He also appealed for the inclusion of National Assembly members in the budget dialogue to ensure that citizens needs with federal implications are addressed at the national level.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the engagement brought together, representatives of government agencies, civil society, business community and women groups to contribute to the 2026 budget. (NAN)
