By Christianah Lot, JOS
Gombe State has renewed its drive towards a more transparent and results-oriented budgeting system as it begins preparations for the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
The effort is being driven through a five-day technical workshop jointly organised by the Gombe State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The workshop, which began on Monday in Jos, Plateau State, focuses on the MTEF, Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), and Budget Policy Statement (BPS).
This was made known by the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Salihu Baba Alkali, while declaring the workshop open.
Alkali explained that Gombe adopted the programme-based budgeting (PBB) model in 2018 and is now in its eighth cycle of implementing the framework. He said the state is building on previous achievements to entrench a budgeting culture that delivers real outcomes for citizens.
“This document is a vital reference for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to guide their budget preparations. It will improve how government manages public funds and ultimately enhance the quality of life for our people,” the Commissioner stated.
He said the workshop was designed to strengthen the capacity of participants and ensure that the budget planning process aligns with the state’s long-term development goals outlined in the 2021–2030 Development Plan.
“In the next five days, we’ll engage in serious discussions, learn from each other, and sharpen our skills to develop a strong MTEF that reflects our vision for Gombe,” he added.
Alkali commended UNICEF for its continued technical support in helping the state implement programme-based budgeting and strengthen public financial management. He also praised Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for driving reforms that promote accountability and better service delivery.
“This training is a key step toward aligning our budget process with national priorities and ensuring that our decisions promote economic growth and development,” he said.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Yusuf Auta, Social Policy Specialist at the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, stressed the importance of inclusive budgeting that responds to the needs of children, women, and men alike.
“We hope that by the end of this year, Gombe will have a project that is child-friendly, women-sensitive, and male-responsive. Once citizens believe the budget will be implemented, they will trust the process and have hope,” he noted.
Dr. Auta lauded Governor Yahaya for showing political will by sending a dedicated team for week-long training outside the state capital. He also praised the openness of the Commissioner and his commitment to building solid institutions.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Jalo Ibrahim Ali, mni, welcomed participants and described the MTEF and FSP as essential tools for planning and allocating state resources effectively.
“This workshop is a crucial step in ensuring our budgeting process stays credible, inclusive, and in line with both global best practices and the economic realities we face,” he said.
He encouraged officers from the budget, planning, treasury, and audit departments to actively contribute their expertise, noting that the outcomes of their deliberations would shape future projects and promote inclusive development across Gombe State.
