The National Assembly has commenced a three-day Pre-Budget Retreat following the tabling of the 2026 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Hon. Seedy Keita, on Friday.
Held in Basse, Upper River Region, the retreat brings together Members of the National Assembly and technical staff to review, analyse, and deepen their understanding of the national budget, including its content, structure, allocations, and programme-based approach.
The sessions are designed to equip Members with the necessary tools to scrutinise government spending, assess revenue projections, and evaluate allocations to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Kalipha M.M. Mbye, described the retreat as “a cornerstone of our legislative calendar”, noting that it embodies the Assembly’s collective commitment to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability central to the well-being of the people Parliament serves.
He explained that the decision to hold this year’s retreat in Basse was both deliberate and symbolic, reflecting the Assembly’s determination to bring parliamentary work closer to the people, understand first-hand the challenges and opportunities that exist beyond the capital, and ensure that the voices and aspirations of all regions are reflected in the national budget.
“Honourable Members, the national budget is not merely a financial document; it is a declaration of our priorities, a reflection of our collective aspirations, and indeed, a contract between the Government and the people of The Gambia,” he said.
Delivering the opening statement on behalf of the Speaker, Hon. Billay G. Tunkara, the Majority Leader echoed the call for rigorous budget scrutiny. He emphasised that Members must approach their work with diligence and objectivity to ensure the national budget remains prudent, equitable, and responsive to the needs of the Gambian people.
“Our role, as the National Assembly, is to scrutinise this blueprint with diligence and objectivity, to ensure that it is prudent, equitable, and responsive to the pressing needs of our nation,” Hon. Tunkara stated.
According to the programme guide, the retreat features several thematic sessions facilitated by budget and governance experts, including sector analyses on transport and infrastructure, health, agriculture, and education, and in-depth sessions on Programme-Based Budgeting (PBB) scrutiny.
From 6th to 14th November 2025, National Assembly Committees will hold bilateral meetings with MDAs, leading up to the budget debate in the Assembly Chamber.
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