The Kaduna State House of Assembly on Monday received a bill seeking approval of the N150.12 billion 2026 budget for the state’s 23 local government councils.

The bill, which proposes an appropriation of N150.12 billion, aims to fund the councils’ activities for the year ending December 31, 2026.

In a motion during plenary, Mahmud Lawal, a member representing Zaria City, urged that the bill be referred to the appropriate committee for detailed scrutiny, while Danlami Stingo seconded the motion.

The chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation and Implementation, Yunusa Shehu-Pambeguwa, in an interview, said the budget was designed to cover programmes and operations of the 23 local governments.

According to him, the next stage would involve drafting a defence and preparing a timetable for the budget defence exercise, which would be transmitted to the Ministry for Local Government and subsequently to the various councils.

He stated that the process would be expedited due to time constraints and the approaching pilgrimage period.

Mr Shehu-Pambeguwa assured that the assembly would thoroughly examine the estimates to ensure they reflect the needs and priorities of residents across the councils.

According to him, as representatives of the people, lawmakers would ensure the budget aligns with constituents’ interests, and citizens must hold their local government chairmen accountable after its passage.

The lawmaker also said the House would intensify its oversight functions to ensure effective implementation of the approved budget.

(NAN)