The Zamfara State Government says its 2027 budget will be entirely citizen-driven in line with Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment to inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance.

The state’s Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Yahaya Zakari, stated this in Gusau on Tuesday at the Zamfara Central senatorial zone town hall on the 2027 budget preparation.

Mr Zakari said that the policy shift and the budget engagement reflect Mr Lawal’s commitment to inclusive, transparent, and citizen-driven governance.

“The budget will be designed in such a way that it delivers services, projects, and hope to our people,” he said.

He noted that governments across the globe were increasingly embracing citizen-based budgeting, citing its proven effectiveness in directly addressing the complex socioeconomic challenges facing modern society.

“When citizens are actively involved, budgets address real needs, promote financial transparency, and strengthen overall public accountability,” the commissioner said.

Highlighting the administration’s strategic focus, Mr Zakari identified youth and women’s empowerment as critical priority areas for the 2027 fiscal year, alongside the traditional core sectors.

He said the core priorities would include peace and security, education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, water resources, and expansion of essential social services across local communities.

“This town hall provides a platform for open dialogue. It is an opportunity for the government to listen and for citizens to speak.

“Your ideas, observations, and priorities today will directly shape the programmes and projects captured in the 2027 budget,” he said.

Mr Zakari urged emirate councils within the zone to forward their official submissions to the ministry on or before September 4 to ensure grassroots contributions were processed effectively.

“This deadline will enable the government’s technical planning team to properly consolidate all community inputs into the final budget estimate before formal submission.

“Let us engage constructively, with facts, and with the unity of our dear state at heart. Your contributions today will make a real, lasting difference,” he added.

Earlier, Mr Lawal, represented at the event by the Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Moriki, commended the budget and planning ministry for driving the public consultation initiative.

He described the citizens’ engagement as “clear proof” of his administration’s dedication to transparent leadership.

He instructed the ministry to sustain the efforts and ensure that legitimate feedback gathered from grassroots communities was accurately integrated into the financial blueprint.

“I urge you all to give meaningful contributions and observations that will help us achieve a people-oriented 2027 appropriation bill that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our people,” he said.

On her part, Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Rabi Madawaki, called for increased budgetary allocations to maternal health, girl-child education, and small-business grants to help women achieve economic independence.

The event brought together a broad coalition of traditional rulers, civil society organisations, youth leaders, and women’s groups to deliberate on pressing community needs.

During the interactive sessions, participants raised urgent concerns regarding high youth unemployment, stressing that expanding access to capital and practical skills acquisition programmes must remain top priorities for the state. 

(NAN)