Bauchi (Nigeria): The Bauchi State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the N877 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill.
The House, presided over by the Speaker, Abubakar Sulaiman, passed the bill after the adoption of a report by Wanzam Mohammed, Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation.
Mohammed said the estimate comprised N308.7 billion in recurrent expenditure and N568.3 billion in capital expenditure.
He said the capital component of the budget would drive infrastructure development, enhance social services and stimulate economic growth.
The chairman commended the state government’s key fiscal reforms, including the establishment of a Fiscal Service Commission, capacity building on the new budget framework, enforcement of sanctions against extra-budgetary spending, timely release of funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the strengthening of audit and procurement processes.
Meanwhile, the House passed the Persons with Disabilities Bill.
The bill aims to fast-track the integration of PWDs into society, prohibits all forms of discrimination against PWDs, and prescribes penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for violators.
The new law mandates accessibility in public buildings, facilities, and transportation systems by requiring ramps, lifts, and other assistive devices.
It also establishes a commission for PWDs to oversee implementation, handle complaints, and support victims of rights violations.
“Additional provisions guarantee access to inclusive education, subsidised healthcare, political participation, social protection, public housing and poverty reduction programmes with public institutions required to reserve at least 10 per cent of their programmes for PWDs.
“The bill aligns with Bauchi state’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”
