— A Vision for Inclusive Growth and Lasting Prosperity

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Plateau State House of Assembly, proposing a ₦914.86 billion fiscal plan christened the “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability II.”

The presentation, which took place on Wednesday, also featured the submission of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) — key instruments designed to guide government spending and ensure fiscal responsibility.

Governor Mutfwang described the budget as a bold continuation of his administration’s resolve to build a secure, prosperous, and united Plateau under the “Time is Now” development agenda.

“This moment reflects our enduring partnership with this Honourable House and our collective determination to build a Plateau that works for everyone,” the Governor said, reaffirming his commitment to accountability, inclusion, and sustainability.

Budget Size and Focus Areas

The proposed ₦914.86 billion budget represents an increase of ₦305.68 billion over the revised 2025 appropriation. Out of this figure, ₦573.45 billion (62.68%) is earmarked for capital projects, while ₦341.40 billion (37.32%) will go into recurrent expenditure.

According to the Governor, the upward review demonstrates his administration’s determination to deliver tangible improvements in citizens’ welfare through strategic investments in infrastructure, human capital, and economic diversification.

The 2026 fiscal plan is anchored on the three core pillars of the Plateau State Strategic Development Framework (PSDF 2023–2027):

1. Peace, Security, and Good Governance
2. Sustainable Economic Rebirth
3. Physical Infrastructure Development

Sectoral Allocations

Governor Mutfwang highlighted the following major allocations:

• Economic Sector: ₦464.98 billion (50.8%)
• Social Services: ₦218.55 billion (23.9%)
• Administrative Sector: ₦207.93 billion (22.7%)
• Law and Justice: ₦23.39 billion (2.6%)

He explained that the MTEF/FSP was developed in compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Law (2014) to provide a three-year roadmap that enhances transparency and efficiency in public finance management.

Progress and Policy Priorities

Reflecting on the implementation of the 2025 “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability,” Governor Mutfwang said the year laid a strong foundation for growth through focused capital investments, social welfare programs, and the creation of new ministries and agencies to strengthen governance.

He listed notable achievements including:

• Regular payment of salaries and pensions.
• Ongoing digitization of the civil service.
• Expansion of the Plateau Metro Bus service to improve urban mobility within the Jos–Bukuru metropolis.

Reiterating his people-centered approach, the Governor said every allocation in the 2026 budget is deliberately tied to improving lives.

“Our focus remains the people of Plateau State. Every naira in this budget is tied to a goal — to make life better, safer, and more meaningful for our citizens,” he stated.

He further pledged to deepen collaboration with security agencies and local communities to consolidate peace and strengthen resilience across the state.

Legislative Response

In his remarks, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, commended Governor Mutfwang’s visionary leadership and reaffirmed the House’s commitment to supporting the budget’s passage.

“This budget reflects a clear vision for Plateau’s growth and stability. The Assembly will give it all necessary attention to sustain the momentum of development,” the Speaker assured.

Governor Mutfwang, in his closing note, expressed appreciation to the 10th Assembly for their cooperation and shared commitment to the Plateau Project, emphasizing that together, government and legislature can achieve lasting prosperity for the people.