News
BOSG urges accounting officers on strict compliance to 2024 budget, increases Target of Internally Generated Revenue in the state

BOSG urges accounting officers on strict compliance to 2024 budget, increases Target of Internally Generated Revenue in the state
By Babagana Wakil
The Borno State government has urged all accounting officers and Director finance in the state to operate within the funds approved in the 2924 budget as assented to by Governor Babagana Zulum.
The state commissioner for Budget and Planning, Professor Mustapha Malumbe who made the call Monday at a press briefing with journalists on 2024 approved budget held at the international conference hall of Usman Musa state secretariat Maiduguri said,”this budget is not just about numbers; it embodies a vision for a more prosperous, secure, and equitable future for all. Consolidation underscores Government’s commitment to building upon the successes of the past year,” .
The Commissioner said “the success or otherwise of this policy will largely depend on each and every one of us. I therefore, crave your indulgence to operate strictly within the bounds of the budget so as to achieve the set objectives”
He said the Borno State government has targeted N27.7 billion Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) with a budget performance of between 80 and 90 percent in 2024 fiscal year, stressing that thee improved budget implementation, was attributed to statutory allocation revenue from the Federal Government and payments of ground rents that raised IGR by 25 per cent.
“This budget is not just about numbers; it embodies a vision for a more prosperous, secure, and equitable future for all. Consolidation underscores Government’s commitment to building upon the successes of the past year,” Malumbe said
He also advised the accounting and finance officers to note that the budget document is a set of policy guide which will enable MDAs operate during the 2024 fiscal year, pointing out that, no request for funds not funded in the budget will be entertained.”
Malumbe said the 2024 Budget is saddled with Government’s commitment in Building on the foundation laid in the previous years; this year’s budget tagged “Budget of Consolidation and Progress marks a significant step forward in the shared journey towards achieving long-term goals.”
The commissioner further explained that the State Government will continue to strengthen fiscal discipline, invest in key infrastructure projects, and implement reforms that create a more enabling environment for businesses and individuals to thrive..
” This budget also embodies progress. Government will be making strategic investments in areas critical for sustained growth and development, such as Education, Healthcare, Works and Reconstruction to also champion initiatives that empower vulnerable communities, return of IDPs and bridge the gap between opportunity and disadvantage,” he added.
“”The expenditure proposals for the fiscal year 2024, aims to strengthen the accomplishments achieved so far and further ensure the delivery of democratic dividends, especially in the realms of socio-economic and political development of the State,” the commissioner said.lb
He further explained also that the 2024 Approved Budget was also in line with the ‘State Government’s Medium Term Expenditure Framework’ wq (MTEF 2024 – 2026) approved by the Borno State House of Assembly, the ‘Strategic Transformation Initiative’ (STI) for 2024 and 25-year State Development Plan in an effort of building Borno Back and Better.
He also emphasized on the key objectives and priorities outlined in the MTEF for the current budgeót yea which include amongst others the complete return and resettlement of all IDPs to their ancestral homes, completion of all on-going projects in the State and
He noted that the aim was to ensure food security and also mitigate some of the negative impacts of climate change, thus providing livelihoods for our rural population and to reduce over-dependence on Federal transfers through improved independent revenue generation achievable via a technological-driven and independent Board of Internal Revenue;
Professor Mustapha Babagana revealed that thhis would involve implementation of programmes that generate employment and create wealth and ensure adequate security while comparing the 2023 budget size which was N235,331,950,000.00 and made up of capital expenditures, based on the fiscal forecast and guidelines provided in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF 2023 – 2025) and aligned to the Budget Estimates.
He said the overall 2023 Budget Performance stood at 74.4% and during the 2024 fiscal year government is going to establishment specialized hospitals and schools of Nursing in the three senatorial district of the state. Construction of ICT centers, Government Lodges, teachers and health workers quarters. Procurement of equipment to the State University Teaching Hospital and completion, provision of scholarships to indigenous people to study nursing and midwifery courses and sponsor students in various fields of study, especially Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses, languages, and training of pilots
He said the 2023 budget is not without challenges, however because of the doggedness of His Excellency and the resilience of the people there was a huge success in implementation of the budget such as challenges security situation of ongoing Boko Haram .insurgency,, economic recovery and Internally displaced persons (IDPs): The large number of IDPs in the state informed additional resources require to alddress the challenges among others.
BOSG urges accounting officers on strict compliance to 2024 budget, increases Target of Internally Generated Revenue in the state
Crime
Another Bandits group release three women in Katsina in peace deal promises

Another Bandits group release three women in Katsina in peace deal promises
By: Zagazola Makama
Another group of repentant bandits has released three women in Katsina State as part of the ongoing peace process in the state.

The women, whose names were not immediately disclosed, were said to have been held by a notorious bandit leader, Kacalla Zailani, who controls the Maigora axis.

Community sources told Zagazola on Wednesday that Zailani freed the captives voluntarily without collecting ransom.

“He handed over the women to the mediators as a gesture of goodwill to consolidate the peace deal,” one of the sources said.
Another Bandits group release three women in Katsina in peace deal promises
News
Zulum Pledges Legal Reform to Deepen Justice System

Zulum Pledges Legal Reform to Deepen Justice System
… Fagbemi: Zulum, people-centred and reform-driven Gov.
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Federal Government, National Assembly and other partners to deepen reforms in the state justice system especially at the grassroots level.
Governor Zulum made the commitment on Wednesday at the 2025 Justice Sector Leadership Retreat held at the International Conference Centre of Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri.
“I reaffirm Borno State’s commitment to working with the Federal Government, the Judiciary, the National Assembly, and development partners to deepen reforms in our justice system, especially at the grassroots level,” Zulum stated.

The governor stressed the need for the deployment of technology which will make justice delivery faster, transparent and accountable to the citizenry, noting that Borno State had already adopted the use of digital technology to bridge justice delivery gap.
“In Borno State, we are already witnessing how digital tools have enhanced case tracking, enabling virtual court sittings, thus improving prison decongestion and streaming access to legal aid especially in hard-to-reach areas. If deployed strategically, technology can bridge the gap between rural and urban justice access,” he remarked.
“This is particularly important in Borno State where we continue to recover from a protracted
insurgency and humanitarian crisis. Justice must serve as a foundation for healing, rebuilding trust and restoring the social contract”.
The governor emphasized the need for institutional collaboration and coordinated reform to effectively confront the menace of terrorism, corruption, resolving land disputes and securing investments for a better society.
“I urge all of us here as policymakers, jurists, administrators and stakeholders to see
coordination not as a procedural matter, but as a moral imperative. Our people deserve a system that works, not one riddled with delays, duplications, or inefficiencies”.
The retreat themed “Strengthening Justice Sector Service Delivery through Technology, Innovation and Co-ordinated Reform” underscores the importance of deployment of digital tools to fast track judicial process.
The event was attended by the senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN; APC State Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba, Chairman/CEO NDLEA, Brig. Gen (rtd) Buba Marwa; Solicitor General of the Federation, Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, Heads of Agencies under Federal Ministry of Justice. Others include Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, acting Chief of Staff, the State Attorney-General, members of the state executive council, and other top government officials.
… Zulum: people-centred, and reform-driven Gov -Fegbemi
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has lauded Governor Babagana Zulum’s people-centred transformation and reforms in the justice sector.
“Just like other sectors, your impact in the justice sector has been profound. The launch of Borno State e-Justice project in
partnership with Law Pavilion has positioned the state as a pacesetter in digital transformation. With tools such as the Case
Management System, e-Library, and electronic mail tracking for legal processes, Borno is pioneering efficiency and transparency
in judicial service delivery,” Fagbemi stated.
“Borno under your leadership has become a case study in resilience and renewal. You have shown that governance is not about slogans but about solutions; not about rhetoric but about results. You have elevated the standard of leadership by demonstrating that ideas, when backed by courage and action, can transform societies, no matter the odds,” he added.
“In a state that has endured some of the toughest trials in our nation’s history, you did not succumb to despair. Instead, you applied
innovative thinking, sound judgment, and a data-driven approach to policy and the results are visible to all”.
The Attorney General called for the need to update the nation’s legal frameworks to support these innovations and invest in digital literacy,
cybersecurity, and data management for the professionals.

“By fostering a culture of innovation and leveraging the transformative power of technology, we can build a justice system that is more efficient, more accessible, and more equitable for all Nigerians,” he concluded.
Zulum Pledges Legal Reform to Deepen Justice System
News
Bandit Kingpin Releases 28 Captives in Katsina Following Peace Deal

Bandit Kingpin Releases 28 Captives in Katsina Following Peace Deal
By: Zagazola Makama
A total of 28 persons abducted by suspected bandits in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State have been released without ransom following a peace arrangement with bandit kingpin.
The bandits, led by their commander identified as Isya Akwashi Garwa, handed over the captives to officials of the council on Wednesday.
Zagazola reports that those released were largely residents of Mairua, Kanen-haki and Yar Dabaru communities.
Local authorities confirmed that the release was the outcome of a reconciliation effort initiated in the area to restore peace and reduce violent attacks.
Community leaders in Faskari described the development as a positive signal and urged both sides to sustain the peace process. They also urged the bandit to force other bandits still attacking in the area to stop.
A council official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “The captives were released this afternoon without any ransom being paid. The bandit leader fulfilled his promise under the peace talks,”he said.
Meanwhile, residents expressed relief at the safe return of the abductees, with some calling for stronger security guarantees to consolidate the gesture.
Bandit Kingpin Releases 28 Captives in Katsina Following Peace Deal
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