News

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

Published

2 years ago

December 13, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

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

We plan to construct Eye Hospitals in Monguno and Biu
We plan to establish Dental Hospitals in Monguno and Biu
We plan to establish an Orthopaedic Hospital in Maiduguri.
We plan to construct teachers and health workers quarters in Magumeri (200 numbers of 2 bedrooms)
We plan to construct teachers and health workers’ quarters in Gubio (200 units of 2 bedrooms).
We plan to construct Teachers Quarters in Biu (100 units)
We plan to construct Teachers Quarters in Hawul (100 units)
We plan to establish an oil processing mill in Gubio.
We plan to establish School of Nursing in Monguno
We plan to establish a school of nursing in Gwoza.
We will establish high Islamic colleges in Baga, Gajiganna, Gajiram, Benisheik, Gwoza, and Chibok.
Upgrading of General Hospital Molai and Infectious Hospital Ngarranam to Specialist Hospitals
We plan to construct an additional 3 mega schools in Gwozari: Kalari, Mairi, and Uba.
We plan to establish secondary schools in Rann, New Marte and Ngala.
We plan to construct ICT centres in Baga, Kaga, Damboa and Hawul.
Construction of Government Lodges in Dikwa, New Marte, Briyel and Kwaya
Erosion Control in Bargu, Shani, Uba, Fikeyel and Gandu
Mega-Water works in Bama, Gubio, Gajiganna, Magumeri and Damboa.
Establishment of irrigation systems in Mafa, Dikwa, Gajibo, Logumane, Ngamboru-Wullgo and resuscitation of irrigation projects in Jafi and Damasak.
Electrification of Gwoza, Dikwa, Damask, Nganzai, Askira, Chibok, and Damboa
Procurement of equipment worth N10 billion to the State University Teaching Hospital and completion
Provision of scholarships to 600 indigenous people to study nursing and midwifery courses
Sponsorship of 100 students in various fields of study, especially Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses, languages, and training of 20 pilots
Construction of a New Market in Maiduguri
Support of N5 billion for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and less-privileged
Settlement of 25% of Gratuities owed by States and Local Governments
Training of 50% of our teachers
Reconstruction of the International Hotel and Completion of the State Hotel
Establishment of the Wire and Nail Industry
Construction of an International Conference Hall
Construction of Gunda-Miringa Road
Construction of Mega Shopping Complexes in Ngala, Nganzai, Monguno, and Marte
Rehabilitation of Damboa Road
Construction of 500 Houses in Dalwa: 500 Darajamal, 500 Mainti and Aulari and Maiwa
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
Establishment of secondary schools and junior secondary schools in various locations in the state
Closure of Muna and Madinatu IDP Camp
Flag-off of the construction of Rann-Kala Road
Construction of the Road from Baga to Fish Dam
Construction of the Flyover at the West-End Roundabout
Construction of 9 Mega Dams across the State
Construction of One Rehabilitation Centre
Construction of the Eastern Byepass from Auno-GubioRoad
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

We plan to construct a dual carriageway from Polo High Court Road to Molai.
We plan to build a modern international conference centre.

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

News

Troops recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba during cordon-and-search operation

Published

6 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Troops recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba during cordon-and-search operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 114 Battalion, in conjunction with Department of Intelligence and Analysis (DIA) operatives, have recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a cordon-and-search operation in Murubai Village, Ardo Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted on Jan. 22, followed credible intelligence regarding the presence of arms in the village.

The source said the search was carried out at the residence of one Bazoe John, who was not found during the operation. Authorities recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, which are now in the custody of the troops.

The source added that the operation comes after the earlier arrest of two suspected gunrunners, identified as Christopher Adamu and James Yangyang, at Sebos Joint in Mayo Dassa, Jalingo LGA and Tautre Village in Ardo Kola LGA on Jan. 11 and 12 respectively.

Troops recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba during cordon-and-search operation

News

Vice chairman, 64 others released by bandits in Tsafe in Zamfara

Published

7 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Vice chairman, 64 others released by bandits in Tsafe in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

The vice chairman of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State and 64 other abducted persons have regained their freedom after a deadly ambush by bandits in the area.

The victims arrived safely in Tsafe on Tuesday, following intense efforts by security operatives and local stakeholders to secure their release.

The ambush, which occurred on Jan. 20, left a trail of destruction in Danjibga village, where a fierce gun battle broke out between the attackers and community protection forces.

During the encounter, one operative of the Community Protection Guard (CPG) and two residents were killed, while two others sustained bullet wounds.

Sources said the bandits also set ablaze four vehicles two Golf cars and two Mitsubishi Canter trucks during the attack.

Although the released victims have reunited with their families, an unspecified number of women and children are still feared to be in captivity.

The freed victims and the injured were taken to the Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau, where they are receiving medical care.

The return of the abductees was described as a moment of relief and gratitude, even as the community mourned those who lost their lives in the violence.

Meanwhile, in a related development, another attack in Bakura Local Government Area claimed the life of a 22-year-old farmer, Burhama Sani.

He was reportedly shot dead on his farm along the Bakura–Rabah road after bandits blocked the Fadamma axis and set two vehicles conveying food items ablaze.

Vice chairman, 64 others released by bandits in Tsafe in Zamfara

News

U.S. Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker Begins Strategic Foreign Visit Including Nigeria, Middle East, and Rome

Published

11 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

U.S. Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker Begins Strategic Foreign Visit Including Nigeria, Middle East, and Rome

By: Michael Mike

Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker has embarked on a week-long diplomatic mission that includes stops in Abuja, Nigeria; Muscat, Oman; Manama, Bahrain; and Rome, Italy from January 21–29, 2026, the U.S. State Department confirmed in a statement this week.

In Nigeria, Hooker is leading the American delegation and serving as head of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group—a recently established platform aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation on security and economic issues. During talks in Abuja, the delegation is expected to discuss strategies for protecting vulnerable communities, enhancing cooperation against terrorism, and expanding U.S. investment opportunities in the West African nation.

The visit comes at a time of heightened focus on Nigeria’s internal security challenges and international efforts to support peace and stability across the region. Local and international observers have noted ongoing discussions between U.S. and Nigerian authorities on religious violence and security cooperation as part of broader diplomatic engagement.

After concluding discussions in Nigeria, Hooker’s itinerary moves to the Gulf region, where she will lead strategic dialogues with officials in Oman and Bahrain. These talks are expected to advance cooperation on regional security, economic ties, and cultural exchange, reflecting shared interests between the United States and its partners in the Middle East.

The final leg of the trip will take Hooker to Rome, where she will meet with counterparts from European governments and international organisations. In Italy, engagements will cover major global priorities including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, diplomatic efforts toward peace in the Middle East, and developments in Venezuela. She is also scheduled to hold meetings with senior officials from United Nations agencies based in the city—such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)—to discuss accountability and oversight of U.S.-funded assistance programs and to explore potential new agricultural trade opportunities for American producers.

Hooker, who was appointed Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs in mid-2025, oversees key regional and bilateral policy issues and plays a central role in shaping U.S. foreign policy across multiple regions.

Her current tour underscores Washington’s intent to reinforce diplomatic engagement across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe at a time of evolving geopolitical challenges
End