Adamawa approves N609.1bn draft budget for 2027

The Adamawa State Executive Council has greenlighted a draft budget of N609.1 billion for the 2027 fiscal year, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure development and human capital investment. This proposal was ratified during a council meeting on Friday, chaired by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. The proposed budget outlines 54.4% of funds for capital expenditure and 45.6% for recurrent expenditure.

The move officially kickstarts the process for drafting the 2027 Appropriation Bill, with the government planning to conduct sector-specific planning and engage stakeholders prior to submitting the final budget proposal to the State House of Assembly for approval.

Additionally, the council authorized financial allocations to address immediate development needs across the state. In the education sector, N459.5 million was allocated to equip 84 secondary schools with biology instructional materials and 3D laboratory models. Furthermore, N248.27 million was approved to electrify Morawo and Zungalewa communities in Demsa Local Government Area, enabling their connection to the national electricity grid.

The administration also approved the hiring of a consultant to assess the Rural Electrification Agency, aiming to secure $5 million in World Bank funding for rural electrification projects. A N16.59 billion virement, or reallocation of funds within the state's 2026 budget, was approved to finance priority projects in education, transportation, and security without raising the state's overall debt profile.

The council expressed concerns over the risk of seasonal flooding, as forecasted by official climate predictions. Commissioner for Environment, Bala Mohammed, called for residents living in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer locations promptly. The state government has stocked emergency relief camps and supplied medical supplies to respond to potential flooding incidents.

Mohammed urged residents to clear drainage channels and refrain from constructing on waterways to prevent avoidable disasters. He emphasized that the government is collaborating with traditional rulers and community leaders to ensure compliance with safety advisories and enhance sanitation efforts at the grassroots. The administration urges residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities as the state gears up for possible flooding during the rainy season.