Bwari: Mr. John Gabaya, the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, FCT, on Wednesday presented a budget of N30.6 billion for 2026 to the council’s legislature for approval. Gabaya tagged it budget of ‘Consolidating Developmental Gains and Strengthening Service Delivery for Sustainable Growth.’ He said that the budget comprised a total of N22.9 billion for capital expenditure and N7.6 billion for recurrent expenditure.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Gabaya emphasized that the primary focus of the budget was to complete ongoing projects from 2025, noting that the presentation marked the final appropriation proposal of his tenure. He highlighted the significance of this budget as it represents the final appropriation proposal of his administration, scheduled to conclude in June 2026. Gabaya stressed that this proposal provides an opportunity to outline achievements, sustain ongoing projects, and ensure a smooth transition for the incoming administration.
Gabaya stated that the budget reflects his administration’s determination to strengthen service delivery across all sectors and improve the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the council. He added that the budget is expected to promote accountability and transparency, enhance the socio-economic welfare of residents, and lay a foundation for continuity of development beyond his administration. The appropriation was taken within the prevailing economic realities of the country, including fluctuating national revenue, inflationary pressures, and increasing demand for social infrastructure and public service.
Despite the challenges, Gabaya expressed commitment to prioritizing projects and programs that would directly impact the lives of residents across communities in Bwari. He noted that with the collaborative efforts of the executive and legislative arms of the council, developmental projects were successfully executed, while others are at advanced stages of completion. Gabaya also mentioned that his administration successfully implemented the new approved minimum wage for council staff, managed payroll systems, and supervised government programs and projects in the area.
In response, Mr. Dogara Ahmed, Speaker of the council, commended Gabaya’s efforts, noting that his administration’s infrastructural development helped boost economic and social activities in the area. Ahmed expressed hope that the council’s joint allocation, IGR, and other sources of income would improve to ensure successful implementation of the budget. He emphasized that a well-crafted budget is effective not just in its creation but in its implementation.