By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
Gombe State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a five-day technical workshop in Jos, Plateau State, to train budget officers on the preparation of the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), and Budget Policy Statement (BPS).
The workshop, which began on Monday, was organised by the Gombe State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in partnership with UNICEF. It is designed to enhance the capacity of officers in implementing programme-based budgeting—an approach aimed at improving transparency, fiscal discipline, and result-driven public finance management across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Declaring the workshop open, the Gombe State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Salihu Baba Alkali, described the exercise as crucial to the successful delivery of the Gombe State Development Plan (2021–2030).
“Over the next five days, we will engage in comprehensive discussions, share experiences, and undergo intensive capacity-building exercises to equip ourselves with the skills and knowledge necessary for developing a robust and effective MTEF for our state,” he stated.
Alkali recalled that the MTEF framework was first adopted by the state in 2018 and that this year’s exercise marks the eighth consecutive rolling plan, covering the 2026–2028 period.
“This document serves as a comprehensive reference for MDAs in preparing their budgets. It will strengthen the government’s financial management systems and, ultimately, improve service delivery and the welfare of our citizens,” he added.
The Commissioner expressed appreciation to UNICEF for its continued technical support in strengthening Gombe’s public financial management systems.
Also speaking, Dr. Yusuf Auta, Social Policy Specialist with the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Gombe State in developing a people-centered and inclusive budget.
“We hope that by the end of this year, we will arrive at a budget that is child-friendly, women-sensitive, and male-responsive. Our desire is that what is budgeted is not only implemented but also makes a positive difference in the lives of citizens,” he said.
Dr. Auta commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for championing reform-driven and data-based governance, and lauded the Commissioner’s openness and commitment to inclusive development.
Earlier, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Jalo Ibrahim Ali, mni, welcomed participants and highlighted the significance of the MTEF and FSP as essential policy tools for guiding the state’s resource mobilisation and allocation.
“This workshop is a vital step in ensuring our budgeting process remains credible, inclusive, and aligned with global best practices and our development priorities,” he noted, urging participants to contribute meaningfully to the sessions.
