The Bauchi State Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination has conducted a public consultation on the proposed 2027 budget for Bauchi North Senatorial District.
The consultation, held on Monday at the Sule Katagum Hall of the Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare, brought together key stakeholders from the seven local government aea of Bauchi North Senatorial District.
Participants included representatives of local government chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society organisations, among other stakeholders.
Speaking during the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmad Rufa,i said the consultation is organised annually to give members of the public an opportunity to present their needs, concerns and development priorities for consideration in the following year’s budget.
He explained that after the collection of the submissions, the ministry would engage relevant government ministries, departments and agencies to deliberate on the needs presented by the people and identify those considered most important for implementation.
Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmad Rufa,i commended the people of Bauchi North for their active participation, describing their contributions as vital to ensuring that the state budget reflects the needs and aspirations of the people of the Area.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Hajiya Amina Katagum, expressed appreciation to the stakeholders for attending the consultation.
She said their participation would help the government to capture the needs of the people from the grassroots.
Hajiya Amina katagum explained that preparations for the 2027 budget began about two months ago, noting that the budget process involves several stages and therefore has to commence well ahead of the new financial year.
She emphasised that budgeting is a collective responsibility, with every citizen having a role to play in its successful implementation.
According to her, this is why the ministry conducts consultations across the three senatorial districts of Bauchi State every year, to ensure inclusiveness and give all stakeholders an opportunity to contribute to the budget process.
The Commissioner also commended the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, for his commitment to implementing the state budget and providing critical development projects in sectors including healthcare, education, road infrastructure and other areas of human development.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers who attended the consultation, the district head of Udubo, Alhaji Magaji Muhammad Udubo, expressed satisfaction with the ministry’s approach to public consultation.
He said several projects and needs presented by communities during previous consultations had been implemented, which, according to him, has encouraged stakeholders to continue participating in the annual exercise.
Alhaji Magaji Udubo commended the ministry and the state government for adopting a system that allows the people’s priorities to be reflected in the state budget.
COV: MS/ SM
The Bauchi State Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning conducts public consultation on the proposed 2027 budget
