Stakeholders in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria, have called for 50 per cent of the 2026 fiscal year budget to be allocated to the agricultural sector. 

This appeal was made to the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning during the 2025 Citizens’ Budget Town Hall Consultation, held on Friday in Akwanga Local Government Area, to strengthen food security across the state.

The consultation, organised by the Nasarawa State Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning, provided a platform for citizens to contribute to developing the 2026 budget. 

Mr. Daniel Alanji, a participant from Akwanga LGA, underscored the importance of prioritising agriculture in the budget, citing its direct influence on livelihoods and food security.

Participants also made suggestions and outlined the needs of their respective communities, including the timely provision of fertilisers to farmers, enhanced security, and the development of essential infrastructure such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.

In response to these community requests, Mr. Akolo Peters Ataka, Director of Budget at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning, clarified that the meeting’s objective was to unite non-state actors on a common platform. 

This collaborative effort aimed to facilitate discussion and gather input for the state’s 2026 budget planning process.

He assured that all submitted requests would be carefully reviewed and incorporated into the 2026 budget. 

This inclusion is intended to foster transparency and accountability within the state’s governance and budgeting framework.

Source: VON

Image Credit: Apex News