By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has presented a N899.33 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, with a focus on education, infrastructure development, and security.
The budget, tagged the “Budget of Sustained Recovery and Growth”, allocates N135 billion to the education sector, making it the highest single-sector allocation.
This funding will be used for the construction of new schools, rehabilitation of destroyed facilities, scholarship programs, and recruitment of teachers across the state.
The works and housing sector received N94.27 billion, dedicated to the construction of urban and rural roads, building new bridges, and executing major housing projects for residents and civil servants.
The health sector was allocated N66.4 billion, expected to fund the completion and equipping of ongoing hospital projects and procurement of essential drugs.
Other key allocations include N58.71 billion to the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement (RRR) for the return of internally displaced persons to their rebuilt communities; N44.95 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture to boost food security and support farmers; and N21.35 billion to the Ministry of Water Resources.
Governor Zulum projected total revenue of N317.69 billion from the Federation Account, N44.3 billion from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and estimated capital receipts of N417.23 billion, encompassing aid, grants, and the Capital Development Fund.
In his address, Governor Zulum stated that the budget reflects his administration’s commitment to long-term development and infrastructure renewal, crucial for a state recovering from insurgency.
“This budget stands as a testament to our steadfast dedication to fostering sustained recovery and growth, even in the face of challenges,” he said.
“It embodies our resolute pledge to rebuild our communities, restore economic vitality, and secure a safer and more prosperous future for every citizen.”
Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, assured Governor Zulum of the Assembly’s swift and diligent scrutiny of the budget proposal, pledging a detailed review to ensure it aligns with the state’s developmental needs before passage.
