The Zamfara State Government has organised a town hall meeting on the preparation of the 2027 budget, highlighting the importance of annual budget estimates in promoting inclusive, transparent and citizen-driven governance in the state.
Speaking on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the Zamfara State budget preparation meeting held in Gusau, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Professor Yahaya Zakari, disclosed that the town hall meetings would be held across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“This important town hall meeting on the preparation of the 2027 Annual Budget Estimate for Zamfara State will be held across the three senatorial districts, namely the Central, Northern and Western parts of the state,” he stated.
Professor Zakari disclosed that the engagement reflected the commitment of Governor Dauda Lawal to inclusive, transparent and citizen-driven governance.
“The budget is the blueprint through which we deliver services, projects and hope to our people.”
He encouraged participants to focus on priority areas affecting their communities, including peace and security, education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, water, youth and women’s empowerment, and social services.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Budget and Planning, Sani Abubakar Bukkuyum, highlighted the importance of the budget to the state government, communities and stakeholders.
“Budget draws the attention of government to what to spend based on the needs and availability of resources,” he said.
He said the town hall meeting provided a platform for dialogue between the government and citizens, allowing the government to listen to the people and enabling citizens to present ideas, observations and priority projects that would benefit their communities.