Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The National Assembly has raised concerns over the sharp increase in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education’s (MoBSE) proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which has surged from GMD 4.9 billion in 2025 to GMD 5.84 billion, a 19 percent jump.

The figures were presented on Sunday by Mr. Abdoulie Bacha during the ongoing Pre-Budget Retreat in Banjul, where lawmakers are reviewing sectoral allocations under the 2026 Budget Estimates.

The proposed rise has triggered debate over MoBSE’s spending priorities and the underlying cost drivers.

According to the presentation, the bulk of the allocation continues to go toward programs such as Basic and Secondary Education Management, which account for the largest share of the sector’s budget.

Lawmakers were informed that the increase stems from school improvement grants, food and feeding services, staff allowances, and administrative expenses, items some Members said warrant closer examination.

Adding to the discussion is the inclusion of the newly established Gambia National Library Service Authority, which now falls under MoBSE’s budget following its creation by an Act of Parliament.

While some members welcomed this as a progressive move, others questioned whether the ministry’s expanding structure is financially sustainable.

The Pre-Budget Retreat, designed to give members an early opportunity to scrutinize government spending proposals before their formal submission, continues this week, with education once again emerging as one of the most debated allocations of the session.