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Borno’s N340b budget: Zulum allocates big shares to Health, Education, Works
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
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnapped victims during a routine patrol in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources said the operation took place at about 7:01 p.m. on April 30 when troops of 12 Brigade deployed at Okoloke Patrol Base intercepted suspected kidnappers at Ejiba community.
The sources disclosed that the troops acted swiftly, forcing the suspects to abandon their victims.
According to the sources, the two kidnapped persons were successfully rescued and later reunited with their families.
They added that security patrols have been intensified in the area to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of residents.
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has summoned the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa following mounting concerns over a fresh wave of anti-foreigner protests and reported attacks targeting Nigerian citizens and their businesses.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the envoy is expected at its headquarters in Abuja on Monday, May 4, 2026, where Nigerian authorities will formally register their strong displeasure over developments seen as threatening the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between both countries.
At the heart of the meeting are recent demonstrations by various groups in South Africa, which have reportedly degenerated into harassment, violence, and destruction of foreign-owned businesses—many belonging to Nigerians. The incidents have triggered widespread anger among Nigerians, amid fears for the safety of thousands living and working in South Africa.
Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa on Saturday said the government is deeply worried about the implications of the unrest on bilateral relations, stressing that Nigeria remains committed to protecting its citizens abroad while pursuing diplomatic solutions.
Despite the rising tension, the Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain calm, assuring that steps are being taken at the highest diplomatic levels to address the situation and ensure the safety and dignity of its nationals.
Nigeria and South Africa share one of Africa’s most strategic bilateral relationships, rooted in a history of solidarity dating back to Nigeria’s support for the anti-apartheid struggle. However, relations have repeatedly come under strain due to recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Notably, major incidents in 2008, 2015, and 2019 saw widespread attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians, leading to deaths, looting, and destruction of properties. The 2019 crisis, in particular, sparked a diplomatic row, with Nigeria recalling its High Commissioner and boycotting the World Economic Forum on Africa 2019 in protest.
In response to past crises, both countries established diplomatic mechanisms, including an early warning system and joint consular forums, aimed at preventing further violence and protecting citizens. Despite these measures, sporadic tensions and anti-immigrant sentiments have persisted, often fueled by local grievances over unemployment and crime.
Analysts warned that the current developments, if not swiftly contained, could once again test diplomatic ties between Africa’s two largest economies and undermine regional integration efforts under frameworks such as the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The outcome of Monday’s meeting is therefore seen as crucial in determining whether both nations can de-escalate tensions and reaffirm their commitment to mutual respect, cooperation, and the protection of citizens on both sides.
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
Troops Rescue Injured Victim After Attack by Berom militia in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven have rescued a civilian who sustained machete injuries following an attack by Berom militia along Bachi–Werreng Road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on May 1 when suspected criminals attacked the victim along the road.
The sources disclosed that troops of Sector 6, deployed at Bachi, swiftly responded to a distress call and moved to the scene.
According to the sources, the attackers fled upon the arrival of the troops, abandoning the injured victim.
They added that the victim, who sustained machete cuts, was immediately evacuated to a hospital in Rachi for medical treatment.
The sources further said the assailants carted away the victim’s motorcycle during the attack.
They noted that security patrols have been intensified in the area, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
Troops Rescue Injured Victim After Attack by Berom militia in Plateau
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
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