…as Lawmakers pledge strict scrutiny
By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
Local Government councils in Kaduna state have presented a N150.12 billion budget to the Kaduna State House of Assembly for the 2026 appropriation year.
The 23 LG councils presented the proposed budget during plenary on Tuesday.
Speaking during the plenary, the member representing Zaria City, Mahmud Lawal, moved a motion for the bill to be referred to the appropriate committee for detailed legislative scrutiny.
The motion was seconded by Danlami Stingo and adopted by the House.
Speaking with journalists after plenary, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation and Implementation, Yunusa Shehu Pambeguwa, said the proposed N150.12 billion estimate is designed to cover programmes and operational expenses of the 23 local government areas.
He explained that the next stage would involve preparing a timetable for the budget defence exercise, which would be communicated to the Ministry for Local Government and subsequently to the various councils.
Shehu Pambeguwa stated that the Assembly would fast track the process due to time constraints and the approaching pilgrimage period.
He assured that lawmakers would subject the estimates to thorough scrutiny to ensure they reflect the needs and priorities of residents across the councils. He added that as representatives of the people, members of the Assembly would ensure the budget aligns with constituents’ interests.
The lawmaker further disclosed that the House would intensify its oversight functions to ensure effective implementation of the budget once passed, while urging citizens to hold their local government chairmen accountable.