Gombe: A lecturer, Dr Ahmed A Sadeeq, has urged the Gombe State Government to adopt proactive mechanisms to enhance discipline and prudent management of the N535 billion 2026 budget. He said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya recently presented a N535.69 billion proposed 2026 Appropriation Bill to the state’s House of Assembly. The budget consists of N164.25 billion recurrent expenditure and N371.44 billion capital projects. Sadeeq, a lecturer at the Department of Procurement Management, Federal University of Kashere (FUK), Gombe, said that without strong financial discipline, the state might experience rising project costs, abandoned projects, and wasteful spending.
Sadeeq emphasized that the budget size required that government purchases and projects must strictly follow approval processes. He stated that contracts must be properly budgeted for, approved, and funds made available to prevent unpaid bills, financial problems, and unplanned spending. The don underscored the importance of digital system applications to monitor spending and ensure funds are released only when necessary.
He elaborated that these systems help to detect cost increases early and stop unauthorized contracts. He advised that government agencies must prepare realistic yearly procurement plans matching their approved budgets. Releasing funds in line with monthly plans ensures projects progress smoothly and contractors receive timely payments. Sadeeq also recommended scrutinizing contractors before awarding jobs, confirming fair prices, and ensuring effective project monitoring to prevent high costs or poor execution of major projects.
Sadeeq further urged procurement officers to adhere to professional ethics, maintain proper records, and report undue influences to the appropriate authorities. He highlighted that strong budgetary control is essential for the state to derive real value from its budget and deliver meaningful development to its people. Sadeeq concluded that if Gombe is to achieve visible results from its N535 billion budget, every stakeholder must commit to transparency, accountability, and strict financial discipline, stating that robust budgetary control is the backbone of responsible governance.