The Federal Government has commenced efforts to strengthen state governments’ budgeting for basic education and primary healthcare ahead of the 2027 fiscal year.
The initiative, under the World Bank-assisted HOPE Governance Programme, HOPE-GOV, will train government officials from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory on effective budget planning, resource allocation, implementation and accountability.
The Communications Officer of the programme, Joe Mutah, disclosed this in a statement, saying the workshop would hold in Abuja from October 12 to November 4, 2026, in four batches.
He said the training would help states align their 2027 budgets with sectoral priorities and operational plans to ensure that public spending translates into improved service delivery.
The exercise will focus on aligning primary healthcare annual operational plans and basic education workplans with budget allocations, while addressing challenges affecting the preparation and implementation of state budgets.
Participants will also receive training on programme-based budgeting, project prioritisation and costing, geographical mapping, and the application of the National Chart of Accounts.
The programme is expected to help states identify priority projects, improve expenditure planning and establish clearer links between allocated funds and measurable outcomes in schools and primary healthcare facilities.
Officials expected to participate include state budget directors, permanent secretaries responsible for budget and planning, representatives of state primary healthcare development agencies and officials of state universal basic education boards.
The HOPE-GOV programme, domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, seeks to strengthen governance systems, institutional capacity and accountability in the delivery of essential public services.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to ensure that increased government resources translate into improved education and healthcare outcomes across the country.
