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

ISWAP kills 10 JAS fighters in Kukawa as rivalry clashes escalates

Published

6 hours ago

January 12, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

ISWAP kills 10 JAS fighters in Kukawa as rivalry clashes escalates

By: Zagazola Makama

No fewer than 10 fighters of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) were killed on Jan. 8 during a night attack by the rival Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) at Dabar Ledda, within the Doron Naira axis of Kukawa Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that ISWAP fighters launched a surprise assault on a JAS checkpoint, locally referred to as an Irasa, in the Dabar Ledda area, overwhelming the position after a brief but intense clash.

Sources familiar with developments in the area told Zagazola Makama that the attack ended decisively in ISWAP’s favour, with about 10 JAS fighters killed. Following the operation, ISWAP elements were said to have withdrawn swiftly to their major stronghold located between Kangarwa and Dogon Chuku, also within Kukawa LGA.

Both group has, in recent years, focused on degrading each other’s capabilities in an attempt to consolidate control over key corridors around Lake Chad as well as Sambisa Forest.

However, the latest clash is expected to trigger a violent response. Intelligence reports suggest that JAS leadership, acting on directives allegedly issued by Abu Umaima, has ordered mobilisation of fighters across the northern and central parts of the Lake Chad region of Borno (LCRBA) in preparation for retaliatory attacks.

The planned counter-offensive could lead to an upsurge in large-scale attacks in the days and weeks ahead, particularly around the Kangarwa–Dogon Chuku corridor, an area that has witnessed repeated factional battles due to its strategic value for logistics, recruitment and access routes.

While the infighting has historically weakened Boko Haram/ISWAP overall cohesion, Zagazola caution that intensified clashes often come at a heavy cost to civilians, as armed groups raid communities for supplies, conscripts and intelligence. Kukawa LGA, already battered by years of insurgency, remains highly vulnerable whenever such rivalries escalate.

ISWAP kills 10 JAS fighters in Kukawa as rivalry clashes escalates

News

Troops foiled bandit attack in Sokoto, recovered rustled livestock in Gudu

Published

6 hours ago

January 12, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Troops foiled bandit attack in Sokoto, recovered rustled livestock in Gudu

By: Zagazola Makama

A bandit attack on Karfen Chana village in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State was successfully thwarted on Saturday evening, with security forces recovering all rustled domestic animals.

Zagazola report that the attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. when armed bandits, described as Lakurawa, invaded the village and opened fire sporadically, stealing an unspecified number of livestock.

The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA engaged the bandits in a gun duel, forcing the attackers to retreat towards the Niger border.

All the rustled animals were recovered and returned to their rightful owners. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported among the security personnel.

The troops have continued to maintain rigorous patrols in the area to ensure sustained security and prevent further attacks.
End

News

APC commits to free, fair primary election in Adamawa

Published

22 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

APC commits to free, fair primary election in Adamawa

The leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa in partnership with the party’s Unity Forum is committed to conducting a free, fair and credible primary election in the state ahead of 2027 general elections.

Mr Abubakar Hamma-Girei, Director General of the Forum stated this at a press conference in Yola.

He said that the forum would ensure that all Party members have an equal opportunity to participate in the process, and that the outcome reflects the will of the party faithful.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and all stakeholders for the remarkable achievement recorded in the country that makes opposition to join the party

“We understand the importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our members, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that the Primary Election is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.

“Let me assure you that there will be no imposition of the candidate, and that will be free from any form of manipulation or interference.

“We will uphold the principles of internal Democracy and ensure that the best candidate emerges to fly our Party’s flag in the forthcoming elections”, he said.

The DG urged all party members to participate actively in the primary election and to report any irregularities or concern to the relevance authorities.

“Together we build a stronger more united Party that will deliver for our great nation.

“We are calling on all Nigerians who are passionate about positive change and good governance we invite you to join the All Progress Congress (APC) family”, he said.

According to him,, the ongoing membership revalidation exercise is a unique opportunity for shaping the future of the great nation.

Hamma further said that the forum also resolved to support all APC candidates in the forthcoming Local Government election in the state.

“We are directed to intimate all our members across 21 LGA to give them adequate support they deserve”, he said.

APC commits to free, fair primary election in Adamawa