Zamfara Kicks Off 2027 Budget Preparation With State wide Town Hall

The Zamfara State Government has begun town hall meetings to prepare the 2027 Annual Budget Estimate, marking a move towards more transparent and participatory governance in the region. The inaugural ceremony took place on Wednesday in Gusau, the state's capital city.

Speaking at the event, Professor Yahaya Zakari, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, explained that these engagements were aimed at ensuring that the budget accurately reflects the real needs of the populace. Zakari emphasized that this approach aligns with the administration's commitment to transparency and accountability in public administration.

Zakari further disclosed that the town hall meetings would be conducted across the three senatorial districts of Zamfara: Zamfara Central, Zamfara North, and Zamfara West. This inclusive approach ensures that all communities have an equal opportunity to participate in the budget planning process. He underscored that this initiative was a testament to Governor Dauda Lawal's dedication to a government that listens and responds to citizen concerns.

Sani Abubakar Bukkuyum, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Budget and Planning, also addressed the gathering. He highlighted the critical role of the budget in guiding government spending and aligning available resources with the most urgent needs of the state. Bukkuyum pointed out that the town hall meetings provide a platform for dialogue between the government and its citizens.

He explained that this process creates an opportunity for the government to listen and for citizens to present their ideas, observations, and priority projects, thereby fostering a more collaborative relationship between the government and the people it serves.