…Clears N707m for education, rural electrification projects

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on Friday presided over the 12th meeting of the State Executive Council (EXCO), where members approved a proposed N609.154 billion budget for the 2027 fiscal year.

The proposed budget, which will be forwarded to the Adamawa State House of Assembly for legislative consideration, is aimed at sustaining the administration’s development drive through increased investment in infrastructure, human capital development, and inclusive economic growth.

Under the approved framework, capital expenditure will account for 54.45 percent of the total budget estimate, while recurrent expenditure will take 45.55 percent.

The allocation reflects the government’s priority of directing more resources toward projects and programmes with direct impact on citizens, including education, healthcare, agriculture, water supply, housing, security support, infrastructure development, and rural transformation.

Governor Fintiri has consistently emphasized the need for government spending to translate into tangible improvements in the lives of residents, and the proposed 2027 budget is expected to consolidate existing projects while introducing new initiatives to promote sustainable growth across the state.

At the meeting, the Executive Council also approved N459 million for the procurement of Biology instructional materials for 84 public secondary schools across Adamawa state.

The intervention is designed to improve practical science education by providing schools with modern laboratory materials to enhance the teaching and learning of Biology.

The state government said the investment would strengthen students’ practical knowledge, improve performance in external examinations, and encourage interest in science-related fields such as medicine, engineering, agriculture, and biotechnology.

The Council further approved N248 million for the electrification of Morawo and Zungwalu communities in Demsa local government council.

The project is expected to provide residents with access to reliable electricity, stimulate economic activities, support small businesses, improve security, enhance healthcare services, and create better learning opportunities.

Council members noted that expanding electricity access remains a key component of rural development and economic inclusion, particularly in communities with strong agricultural and commercial potential.

In another development, the Council approved the engagement of a consultant to conduct a Technical Readiness Assessment for the Adamawa State Rural Electrification Agency.

The assessment is a requirement for the state to access about $5 million in funding under a World Bank-supported rural electrification programme.

If secured, the funding will boost the state’s efforts to expand electricity infrastructure to underserved communities, improve access to essential services, attract investment, and accelerate socio-economic development.

The meeting reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to prudent fiscal management, strategic planning, and investments in sectors capable of delivering long-term benefits to the people.

With capital expenditure receiving a larger share of the proposed budget, the Fintiri administration said it remains focused on building sustainable infrastructure, improving public services, and strengthening the foundation for future economic prosperity.

The budget proposal is now expected to undergo legislative scrutiny at the Adamawa State House of Assembly, with expectations that its passage will provide the financial backing required for the continuation of ongoing and new development programmes across the state.