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Borno’s N340b budget: Zulum allocates big shares to Health, Education, Works

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Borno’s N340b budget: Zulum allocates big shares to Health, Education, Works

… Says he won’t leave debt for successor
… Lists 46 targets to achieve in 2024

By:Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Wednesday, presented a budget of N340 billion for the 2024 fiscal year from which Health, Education and works received major allocations.

Health was allocated N51b, Education N39b, while N45b was allocated to Works and Housing.

Tagged “Budget of Consolidation and Progress” a total of N198,293,223,000 was allocated for capital expenditure while N142,326,613,000.00 was allocated for recurrent expenditure.

The budget, Zulum noted, will be financed from the recurrent revenue of N206,803,053,000.00 which comprises FAAC revenue and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and capital receipts of N128,816,783,000.00, comprising of Aid and Grant as well as capital development funds.

According to the sectoral allocations, the Ministry of Finance got N53b allocated for its capital and recurrent expenditures including debt servicing, salary payment and gratuities to the retirees.

Other sectors like the Ministry of Agriculture got N13b, Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement got N20b, Ministry of Water Resources got N9.7b and Ministry of Information and Internal Security got N9.6b.

Various amounts were allocated to all other sectors as well.

Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, commended Governor Zulum for his achievements over the years.

He assured the Governor of the State Assembly’s resolve and commitment to pass the appropriation bill on time.

… I won’t leave debt for my successor, Governor Zulum

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has promised to ensure that whoever is to succeed him will not be inheriting debts owed by the state government.

Zulum said he plans to clear all debts before the end of the ongoing second term.

“As we are gradually exiting from office, I plan to ensure that, insha’Allah, I’ll leave a clean slate to the incoming administration. I want to ensure that we pay all debts so that anybody who is taking over from me will have a clean slate to begin. May Almighty in his mercy, help us”, Zulum said.

… Lists 46 targets to achieve in 2024

Also as part of his budget presentation, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum took time to list out 46 deliverables he plans to achieve in the 2024 fiscal year which cuts across various sectors.

Most of the 46 deliverables are projects which are to be sited at listed locations.

The 46 deliverables also include some programmes.

Our 46 targets for 2024

  1. We plan to construct Eye Hospitals in Monguno and Biu
  2. We plan to establish Dental Hospitals in Monguno and Biu
  3. We plan to establish an Orthopaedic Hospital in Maiduguri.
  4. We plan to construct teachers and health workers quarters in Magumeri (200 numbers of 2 bedrooms)
  5. We plan to construct teachers and health workers’ quarters in Gubio (200 units of 2 bedrooms).
  6. We plan to construct Teachers Quarters in Biu (100 units)
  7. We plan to construct Teachers Quarters in Hawul (100 units)
  8. We plan to establish an oil processing mill in Gubio.
  9. We plan to establish School of Nursing in Monguno
  10. We plan to establish a school of nursing in Gwoza.
  11. We will establish high Islamic colleges in Baga, Gajiganna, Gajiram, Benisheik, Gwoza, and Chibok.
  12. Upgrading of General Hospital Molai and Infectious Hospital Ngarranam to Specialist Hospitals
  13. We plan to construct an additional 3 mega schools in Gwozari: Kalari, Mairi, and Uba.
  14. We plan to establish secondary schools in Rann, New Marte and Ngala.
  15. We plan to construct ICT centres in Baga, Kaga, Damboa and Hawul.
  16. Construction of Government Lodges in Dikwa, New Marte, Briyel and Kwaya
  17. Erosion Control in Bargu, Shani, Uba, Fikeyel and Gandu
  18. Mega-Water works in Bama, Gubio, Gajiganna, Magumeri and Damboa.
  19. Establishment of irrigation systems in Mafa, Dikwa, Gajibo, Logumane, Ngamboru-Wullgo and resuscitation of irrigation projects in Jafi and Damasak.
  20. Electrification of Gwoza, Dikwa, Damask, Nganzai, Askira, Chibok, and Damboa
  21. Procurement of equipment worth N10 billion to the State University Teaching Hospital and completion
  22. Provision of scholarships to 600 indigenous people to study nursing and midwifery courses
  23. Sponsorship of 100 students in various fields of study, especially Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses, languages, and training of 20 pilots
  24. Construction of a New Market in Maiduguri
  25. Support of N5 billion for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and less-privileged
  26. Settlement of 25% of Gratuities owed by States and Local Governments
  27. Training of 50% of our teachers
  28. Reconstruction of the International Hotel and Completion of the State Hotel
  29. Establishment of the Wire and Nail Industry
  30. Construction of an International Conference Hall
  31. Construction of Gunda-Miringa Road
  32. Construction of Mega Shopping Complexes in Ngala, Nganzai, Monguno, and Marte
  33. Rehabilitation of Damboa Road
  34. Construction of 500 Houses in Dalwa: 500 Darajamal, 500 Mainti and Aulari and Maiwa
  35. Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) back to Ala, Kaje, Sabon Gari, Dalwa, Kirawa, Jamteke, Modube, Bita, Sabon Gari Hambagda, Kekeno, Daushe, Bundir, Malum-Fatori, Gulumbali and Kareto
  36. Establishment of secondary schools and junior secondary schools in various locations in the state
  37. Closure of Muna and Madinatu IDP Camp
  38. Flag-off of the construction of Rann-Kala Road
  39. Construction of the Road from Baga to Fish Dam
  40. Construction of the Flyover at the West-End Roundabout
  41. Construction of 9 Mega Dams across the State
  42. Construction of One Rehabilitation Centre
  43. Construction of the Eastern Byepass from Auno-GubioRoad
  44. Construction of Dual Carriage Roads:
  • from Shehu’s Roundabout, Lawan Bukar-Flour Mill, Herwa Peace, Songhai and Agip Roads.
  • Monday Market-Kofa Biyu and Idrissa Khadi-Gamboru Markets Roads
  1. We plan to construct a dual carriageway from Polo High Court Road to Molai.
  2. We plan to build a modern international conference centre.

Borno’s N340b budget: Zulum allocates big shares to Health, Education, Works

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Nigeria Advised to Treat Wildlife Crime as National Security Threat

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Nigeria Advised to Treat Wildlife Crime as National Security Threat

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has been urged to treat wildlife trafficking and illegal exploitation of biodiversity as a major organized crime threat capable of undermining national security, economic stability and sustainable development.

The Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Cheikh Touré, gave the warning in Abuja during the commemoration of World Wildlife Day, stressing that wildlife crime now operates as a sophisticated international criminal network rather than merely an environmental issue.

Touré said the illegal trade in wildlife and plant species continues to weaken ecosystems, fuel illicit financial flows and erode the economic potential of countries rich in biodiversity such as Nigeria.

According to him, wildlife crime has evolved into a serious transnational organised crime that threatens the rule of law and deprives communities of valuable natural resources that support livelihoods and sustainable development.

He explained that Nigeria’s rich biodiversity, including valuable medicinal and aromatic plants used for traditional healthcare and economic activities, faces increasing pressure from illegal trade, habitat destruction, climate change and unsustainable harvesting.

Touré, however, acknowledged recent legislative progress made by Nigeria, particularly the passage of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, describing it as a major step toward strengthening the country’s legal framework for biodiversity protection.

Despite this progress, he stressed that legislation alone would not stop wildlife crime unless it is backed by effective enforcement, improved institutional capacity and stronger public awareness.

He noted that combating wildlife trafficking requires coordinated partnerships among government institutions, civil society organisations, international agencies and local communities.

The UNODC official also highlighted the organisation’s efforts to mobilise young Nigerians in conservation advocacy through the #BeWildForNature campaign launched in 2024.

Through a competitive process, selected youths were incorporated into a mentorship programme where conservation experts provided training on digital advocacy, wildlife protection and community mobilisation.

According to Touré, the initiative has helped build a network of young environmental advocates now driving conservation campaigns and community outreach programmes across Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, said the protection of biodiversity is directly linked to human health, economic stability and environmental sustainability.

Represented by the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, Fall noted that medicinal plants remain a primary healthcare resource for millions of people and are deeply embedded in traditional knowledge systems and local economies.

However, he warned that biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and climate change are threatening these critical natural assets, making conservation an urgent development priority.

He added that protecting biodiversity contributes directly to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including goals related to health, climate action and environmental protection.

Also speaking, Onah Bisong of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (Nigeria) said the Federal Government recognises the important role of young people in advancing environmental sustainability.

Bisong stressed that Nigerian youths must be empowered to champion biodiversity protection through innovation, advocacy and community engagement, noting that such efforts can also create green jobs and support economic growth.

He added that young Nigerians are not merely beneficiaries of the country’s natural resources but critical partners in ensuring that those resources are protected for future generations.

Nigeria Advised to Treat Wildlife Crime as National Security Threat

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FG Evacuates 1,230 Stranded Nigerians from Niger

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FG Evacuates 1,230 Stranded Nigerians from Niger

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has successfully evacuated 1,230 stranded Nigerians from neighbouring Niger, reinforcing its commitment to protecting citizens abroad amid emerging regional challenges.

The evacuation, coordinated by the Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, involved the voluntary repatriation of Nigerians who had been stranded in Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the returnees arrived in Nigeria in two separate batches. The first group of 708 Nigerians was received on March 23, 2026, while the second batch of 522 arrived on March 29, bringing the total number of evacuees to 1,230.

He said the humanitarian operation was carried out in partnership with the International Organization for Migration, whose logistical and technical support ensured the smooth movement and reception of the returnees.

On arrival in Kano, the evacuees were received by a coordinated team of government agencies and humanitarian partners tasked with ensuring an orderly reception and immediate support for the returning citizens.

Agencies involved in the reception included the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, National Emergency Management Agency, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Other participating bodies were the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, as well as officials from the Kano and Katsina state governments.

The returnees were subjected to profiling at the airport to document their details and enable appropriate reintegration support. They were later moved to the Immigration Training School in Kano where temporary accommodation, meals, medical attention and other basic necessities were provided.

Authorities said the evacuees were subsequently discharged after completing the necessary procedures and reunited with their families.

The Ministry noted that the evacuation underscores the Federal Government’s broader responsibility to ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians wherever they may be, particularly in situations that pose humanitarian risks.

It also expressed appreciation to the Government of Niger for its cooperation throughout the evacuation process, noting that such collaboration reflects the enduring diplomatic and humanitarian ties between both countries.

The ministry further commended international partners, particularly the International Organization for Migration and the International Committee of the Red Cross, for their continued support in addressing migration and humanitarian challenges.

Nigerian citizens residing abroad were urged to respect the laws of their host countries and maintain regular contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions to facilitate timely assistance in emergency situations.

FG Evacuates 1,230 Stranded Nigerians from Niger

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FG Declares April 3 and 6 Public Holidays for Easter

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FG Declares April 3 and 6 Public Holidays for Easter

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to enable Christians across the country celebrate Easter.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, according to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Interior (Nigeria), Magdalene Ajani.

The minister congratulated Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the celebration, describing Easter as a period that reflects the enduring values of sacrifice, renewal and hope.

He urged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, patience and love as demonstrated in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens to strengthen the spirit of tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing that these values remain critical to national cohesion.

According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to policies and decisions aimed at promoting national renewal, economic growth and shared prosperity for all Nigerians.

He further wished Christians across the country a peaceful and joyful Easter celebration.

Easter is one of the most significant events in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and symbolising victory over death and the promise of new life for believers.

FG Declares April 3 and 6 Public Holidays for Easter

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