Bauchi State Govt holds public consultation on 2027 budget for Bauchi North

By Musa Shehu

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 at the Sule Katagum Hall of the Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare, brought together stakeholders from the seven Local Government Areas that make up the senatorial district.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmad Rufa’i, said the annual consultation was organised to provide members of the public with an opportunity to present their needs, concerns and development priorities for consideration in the following year’s budget.

He explained that following the collection of submissions, the ministry would engage relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to deliberate on the identified needs and determine those considered most critical for implementation.

Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmad Rufa’i commended the people of Bauchi North for their active participation, describing their contributions as essential to ensuring that the state budget reflects the needs and aspirations of the people.

In her remarks, the state Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Hajiya Amina Katagum, appreciated the stakeholders for participating in the consultation.

She said their contributions would enable the government to effectively capture the needs and priorities of communities at the grassroots.

Hajiya Amina Katagum explained that preparations for the 2027 budget commenced about two months ago, noting that the budget process involves several stages and must therefore begin well ahead of the new financial year.

The Commissioner emphasised that budgeting is a collective responsibility, stressing that every citizen has a role to play in ensuring the successful implementation of the budget.

She said the ministry conducts consultations across the three senatorial districts of the state annually to promote inclusiveness and provide all stakeholders with an opportunity to contribute to the budget process.

Hajiya Amina Katagum also commended the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, for his commitment to budget implementation and the provision of critical development projects in healthcare, education, road infrastructure and other areas of human development.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers at 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 other development needs presented by communities during previous consultations had been implemented, adding that this had 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 priorities of the people to be captured and reflected in the state budget.

Participants at the occasion included, representatives of local government chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.