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 Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala

Published

3 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 3 Area of Responsibility have foiled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 1329hrs on April 19, when the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base through Charlie/Delta Company axis.

The attackers, operating with two gun trucks, were sighted advancing toward the entrance gate of Mairari town along the Gajiram axis.

Troops immediately engaged the advancing terrorists, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat.

Following the encounter, troops dominated the general area with patrols, while air support was also deployed and hovered over the vicinity. However, no further terrorist presence was observed after the exchange.

Security sources said exploitation and clearance operations are ongoing to prevent regrouping and to secure surrounding communities.

Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala

News

Troops Arrest Suspected Terror Logistics Couriers in Kogi State

Published

3 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Troops Arrest Suspected Terror Logistics Couriers in Kogi State

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops under Operation MESA have arrested two suspected terrorist logistics couriers along the Obajana–Kabba road in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Sources said the operation was conducted at about 0010hrs on April 20, following credible intelligence report on the movement of suspected terrorist logistics couriers.

Troops of 12 Brigade mounted a snap checkpoint at RA Oshokoshoko and intercepted a vehicle conveying the suspects en route Obajana from Makurdi.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a sack containing 314 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and three AK-47 magazines, concealed behind the driver’s seat.

Other items recovered include two mobile phones, a driver’s licence, a National Identification Number (NIN) slip, and an identity card.

The suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and action.

Troops Arrest Suspected Terror Logistics Couriers in Kogi State

News

Stolen cows allegedly rustled by Berom militia from Plateau, sold by paramount ruler traced to Nasarawa

Published

3 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Stolen cows allegedly rustled by Berom militia from Plateau, sold by paramount ruler traced to Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

Security operatives in Nasarawa State have intercepted stolen livestock allegedly rustled by Berom militia from Bokkos in Plateau State and sold through illicit channels, leading to the arrest of a suspect who claimed to have purchased the animals from a paramount ruler.

Police sources said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence received by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia on April 19 regarding suspicious cattle being traded at the Lafia cattle market.

Acting on the tip-off, detectives swiftly mobilised to the market and arrested one Alhaji Ziya-U Inusa, a resident of Dengi in Plateau State, who was found in possession of eleven cows suspected to have been stolen.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that he purchased twelve cows from a paramount ruler in Plateau State (name withheld) but transported only eleven due to limited vehicle capacity.

Further investigation led to the emergence of one Abdullahi Adamu from Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, who identified himself as the rightful owner of the recovered livestock.

Adamu explained that the cows were part of a larger herd of 57 cattle rustled in May 2025 by armed youths in Bokkos, adding that all previous efforts to recover the animals had been unsuccessful until the latest operation.

Security sources confirmed that the recovered cattle have been secured, while investigations are ongoing to unravel the network involved in the rustling and illicit sale of the livestock, including the alleged role of intermediaries and buyers.

The incident adds to a growing pattern of attacks against the livelihoods of pastoralist communities in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu, and other parts of Plateau State.

Zagazola has consistently reported how Berom militia have engaged in livestock theft. In most cases, the victims (Fulani herders) are killed and buried in shallow graves, while in some instances, troops or police intercept the criminals and recover the stolen livestock.

The latest such incident occurred on April 16, when troops under Operation Enduring Peace responded to a rustling incident in Mangu Local Government Area, where suspected criminals fled before security forces arrived.

Similarly, on April 15, troops under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) recovered 48 rustled cattle in Yelwa village, Heipang District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Sources said the recovery followed a distress call received at about 0635 hours reporting the rustling of cattle belonging to a resident of the community.

In another operation on April 13, troops foiled an attempted cattle rustling in Bassa Local Government Area, recovering 92 cattle after pursuing suspected youths who abandoned the animals while fleeing.

Zagazola reports that such incidents are among the main triggers of the cycle of reprisal attacks, further escalating tensions in affected communities.

Stolen cows allegedly rustled by Berom militia from Plateau, sold by paramount ruler traced to Nasarawa