By Sani Adamu Hassan
The Deputy Chairman of Katagum Local Government Area, Misbahu Ibrahim Gwasamai, has disclosed that the council has successfully defended its 2026 budget proposal before the Bauchi State House of Assembly Committee on Budget and Appropriation chaired by Hon. Wanzam Mohammed (Sakwa constituency).
Speaking shortly after the budget defence session, Gwasamai explained that the council’s delegation appeared before the Assembly in accordance with statutory provisions to present the local government’s fiscal estimates.
He noted that the lawmakers engaged the council representatives in constructive deliberations, asking several questions particularly relating to the activities of the Appropriation Committee. According to him, the delegation provided satisfactory responses to all inquiries raised during the session.
Gwasamai further stated that the committee made some observations, especially concerning the process of receiving statutory allocations and other related financial matters. He added that the Assembly recommended the development of a standard template that would guide the receipt and management of such allocations in the future.
He expressed optimism that the council would continue to strengthen its working relationship with the state legislature in order to promote development in Katagum Local Government and across the 20 local government areas of Bauchi State.
Responding to questions on priority sectors in the budget, the Deputy Chairman said the council placed strong emphasis on three critical areas.
He explained that priority was given to capital projects, which include major infrastructural development initiatives aimed at improving community welfare.
The second priority area, according to him, is the payment of salaries and allowances of local government staff, noting that workers’ welfare remains a key administrative concern.
Gwasamai also highlighted revenue generation and prudent utilization of internally generated revenue as another fundamental component of the budget framework.
The estimated budget for Katagum Local Government is N12,444,693,023.50 (Twelve billion, four hundred and forty-four million, six hundred and ninety-three thousand, twenty-three naira, fifty kobo).
The Chairman of Katagum Local Government, Hon. Yusuf Babayo Zaki, is expected to oversee the implementation of the budget proposals once they are approved.
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The council expressed commitment to sustaining development programmes that would enhance service delivery and improve the living standards of residents within the local government.