In a landmark move for Northern Nigeria, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf signed into law the state’s largest-ever budget—an appropriation bill totaling N1.477 trillion for the year 2026—at a ceremony held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the Government House in Kano. The new budget, described as the highest in the region’s history, signals a bold push for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare, with the aim of driving inclusive growth and sustainable development across the state.
This ambitious financial blueprint, dubbed the “Budget of Infrastructure and Consolidation,” was originally presented to the Kano State House of Assembly in November 2025 with a value of N1.368 trillion. After extensive consultations and public hearings, the Assembly reviewed the budget upward by N110 billion, resulting in the final figure of N1,477,829,666,131. According to a statement released by Sunusi DawakinTofa, the governor’s spokesperson, the budget was signed during a meeting of the Kano State Executive Council, underscoring the administration’s commitment to transparency and collective governance.
Governor Yusuf, addressing the assembled dignitaries, legislators, and members of his cabinet, emphasized the transformative potential of the 2026 appropriation. “This budget presents a larger opportunity to deepen government impact on education, infrastructure, and other social development,” he said, as reported by Daily Trust. He pledged full and judicious implementation of the budget, assuring the people of Kano that every naira would be used to improve their lives, without discrimination. "We are prepared to implement the amended budget, which includes critical needs for infrastructure development, and we are fully ready to execute it properly for the benefit of Kano State citizens," Yusuf declared, according to Legit.ng.
The 2026 budget maintains a 29:71 ratio of recurrent to capital expenditures, signaling a strong focus on long-term investments. Education receives the lion’s share, with N405 billion allocated—representing 30 percent of the total. Infrastructure is close behind at N346 billion (25 percent), while healthcare claims N212 billion (16 percent). These figures reflect the administration’s prioritization of sectors believed to be essential for sustainable progress and the well-being of Kano’s diverse population.
The passage of the budget was not without careful scrutiny. Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore, noted that the increase of N110 billion was the result of aggregating demands from public hearings and direct engagement with the heads of ministries and agencies. He described the 2026 budget as “the first of its kind in the history of Northern Nigeria to exceed the N1 trillion mark,” according to Leadership. Falgore called for intensive and effective implementation, particularly highlighting the establishment of a commission on disability to address employment concerns for people with disabilities.
During the ceremony, Speaker Falgore also expressed confidence that the budget, if properly executed, would further boost Kano’s economy and general welfare. He assured the public that the Assembly would maintain its oversight functions to ensure prudent use of public funds and that the interests of all stakeholders were considered during the budget review process. "The House approved the budget to grant the executive arm the needed legal backing to sustain and expand ongoing developmental projects aimed at improving the living standards of the people of Kano State," Falgore said, as reported by Daily Trust.
The governor, meanwhile, reminded his cabinet that the previous year’s budget had achieved an 80 percent implementation rate—a significant accomplishment, given the scale of projects involved. “The performance of the 2025 budget stood at 80 percent,” Yusuf stated, urging his team to redouble their commitment to delivering on the administration’s promises, especially in education, infrastructure, and health. He expressed satisfaction with the level of infrastructural growth, noting both ongoing and completed projects, and claimed to have fulfilled 80 percent of his administration’s blueprint promised during the campaign.
Yusuf’s remarks also sought to reassure Kano’s citizens at a time of swirling political rumors. As reported by Legit.ng, the budget signing came amid speculation that the governor might defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). While Yusuf did not directly address the rumors, his focus remained squarely on governance and inclusive development. He pledged that government policies and programs would benefit all residents, regardless of political affiliation, and promised to immortalize two Assembly members who had recently passed away.
The budget’s passage and signing followed a thorough legislative process. The Kano State House of Assembly approved the appropriation bill during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Falgore. The bill underwent detailed consideration in the Committee of the Whole and was read for the third time by Clerk Alhaji Bashir Diso before passage. According to Legit.ng, the House’s Majority Leader, Hon. Husseini Lawan, confirmed the budget’s upward revision by more than N100 billion, reflecting the state’s responsiveness to evolving needs and stakeholder input.
Governor Yusuf’s administration has consistently highlighted the importance of prudent management of public resources. In his remarks, he reaffirmed this commitment, stating that the 2026 budget would be implemented “to improve the living standards of the people of Kano State.” The budget’s focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare is intended to lay a solid foundation for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
The 2026 budget also incorporates new initiatives aimed at empowering citizens and addressing societal challenges. For example, the establishment of a commission on disability, as advocated by Speaker Falgore, is designed to enhance employment opportunities and social inclusion for people with disabilities. The budget’s emphasis on infrastructure and social programs is expected to stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and improve access to essential services.
As the new fiscal year begins, expectations are high among Kano’s residents and stakeholders. The swift passage and signing of the budget before the year’s end have been widely praised as a sign of effective governance and legislative-executive cooperation. The administration’s pledge to ensure full and judicious implementation will be closely watched by citizens, civil society, and political observers alike.
With the largest budget in Northern Nigeria’s history now in place, Kano State stands at a pivotal moment. The coming months will reveal whether the promises of inclusive growth, improved infrastructure, and enhanced social welfare will translate from paper to reality, shaping the future of one of Nigeria’s most populous and dynamic states.
