By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has assigned portfolios to nine newly inaugurated commissioners and approved the establishment of a Ministry of Planning and Economic Development as part of efforts to deepen governance reforms and accelerate socio-economic growth in the state.
The appointments, which take immediate effect, followed the screening and confirmation of the commissioners by the Borno State House of Assembly.
Announcing the development, the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, said the restructuring was designed to enhance policy implementation, improve service delivery and strengthen the state’s development agenda, particularly in the areas of reconstruction, economic recovery and investment promotion.
Under the new arrangement, Hon. Satumari Abdulaziz Samaila will oversee the Ministry of Inter-Governmental Affairs and Special Duties, while Hon. Babagana Malarima has been assigned to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Hon. Maina Yaumi will head the newly created Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, while Hon. Engr. Tijjani Alkali Goni takes charge of the Ministry of Water Resources.
Others are Hon. Arch. Isa Garba Haladu, Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement; Hon. Engr. Mohammed Habib, Ministry of Environment; Hon. Engr. Dr. Bawu Musami, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Hon. Ibrahim Hala Hassan, Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism; and Hon. Engr. Adam Bukar Bababe, Ministry of Works and Housing.
The newly established Ministry of Planning and Economic Development is expected to serve as a strategic hub for policy coordination, economic planning and investment-driven initiatives aimed at stimulating sustainable growth across the state.
Governor Zulum charged the commissioners to demonstrate commitment, dedication and professionalism in the discharge of their duties, noting that the administration is entering a critical phase of its tenure.
He urged them to work closely with permanent secretaries, directors and other civil servants to ensure effective implementation of government programmes and the delivery of tangible benefits to the people of Borno State.
The governor also directed all commissioners to assume duty in their respective ministries without delay.
The latest cabinet appointments and institutional restructuring underscore the administration’s determination to consolidate gains recorded in post-insurgency reconstruction, strengthen public sector performance and drive economic revitalisation across the state.
