ZULUM UNVEILS N899BN BUDGET, FOCUSES ON EDUCATION, SECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has unveiled a N899.33 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year, focusing on education, infrastructure development, and security.

The budget, dubbed the "Budget of Sustained Recovery and Growth", allocates N135 billion to the education sector, the largest single-sector allocation. This funding will support the construction of new schools, rehabilitation of destroyed facilities, scholarship programs, and teacher recruitment.

"N135 billion is allocated to education, reflecting our commitment to rebuilding and enhancing the sector," Governor Zulum said. "This will improve access to quality education and support the state's human capital development."

The works and housing sector received N94.27 billion, dedicated to urban and rural road construction, bridge building, and housing projects. The health sector was allocated N66.4 billion, funding ongoing hospital projects and essential drug procurement.

Other key allocations include N58.71 billion to the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement (RRR) for IDP resettlement, N44.95 billion to agriculture for food security, and N21.35 billion to 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.

"This budget reflects our commitment to long-term development and infrastructure renewal, crucial for a state recovering from insurgency," Governor Zulum said. "It embodies our pledge to rebuild communities, restore economic vitality, and secure a safer future for citizens."

Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, assured Governor Zulum of swift budget scrutiny. "We will diligently review the budget to ensure it aligns with the state's developmental needs," he said.