Borno Begins Direct Payment of LG Allocations as Zulum Approves Financial Autonomy

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has authorised the immediate disbursement of monthly statutory allocations directly to the 27 local government councils in the state.

The approval was announced on Thursday by the Acting Governor, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, following the swearing-in of newly elected local government chairmen in Maiduguri.

Kadafur explained that the decision was taken in line with the Supreme Court ruling on local government financial autonomy and President Bola Tinubu’s directive issued in December 2025, calling on state governments to comply with constitutional provisions.

He said the move is intended to strengthen grassroots governance by eliminating delays associated with fund approvals and ensuring councils have direct access to resources for development.

According to him, Governor Zulum’s administration remains committed to transparency and accountability, noting that the state will continue to publicly disclose allocations made to local governments to promote responsible use of public funds.

The acting governor charged the council chairmen to prioritise service delivery and remain accountable to their constituents, stressing that every fund received must be used judiciously for the benefit of the people.

He also warned against wasteful spending, urging the chairmen to focus on projects that directly improve livelihoods, security and social welfare at the community level.

Kadafur further directed the council leaders to ensure prompt payment of salaries and entitlements of local government workers, describing staff welfare as a critical factor in restoring productivity and discipline across councils.

The event attracted several prominent political figures, including the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan; the Borno State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bello Ayuba; and former Deputy Governors Ali Abubakar Jata’Au and Usman Mamman Durkwa.

Other dignitaries present were the member representing Jere Federal Constituency, Engr. Satomi Ahmad; the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, represented by the House Leader, Dige Mohammed; the Secretary to the State Government; the Head of Service, Dr. Amini Muhammad Ghuluze; alongside senior government officials and party leaders.

Borno Begins Direct Payment of LG Allocations as Zulum Approves Financial Autonomy

FG hails Gombe’s public service reform

The Federal Government has lauded the Gombe state government for its comprehensive public service reforms to enhance quality service delivery to the people.

Dr Dasuki Arabi, Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reform (BPSR), said this in Gombe on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Gombe State BPSR Headquarters.

Arabi praised Gov. Inuwa Yahaya for establishing the BPSR in the state, and driving digitalisation, efficiency and worker welfare since 2019.

He said the state was already reaping gains of embracing reforms in public service which impacted governance, making Gombe a model to other states.

The DG said that part of the reforms that Gombe initiated using technology resulted in the introduction of biometric attendance in civil service which addressed absenteeism.

He highlighted that the biometric improved efficiency and effectiveness in public service delivery as well as tackle ghost workers.

According to Arabi, the reforms including digitalisation of system and operation is part of the reason for the improvement in revenue collection in the state from N6 billion in 2019 to N40 billion in 2024.

He said that with the digitalisation of government operations, forgery and other sharp practices had been tackled and revenue collection improved.

Arabi said that the progress made by Gombe State through the reforms resulted in the state being ranked 8th at the BPSR 2025 edition of the Transparency and Integrity Index (TII).

He described the index as a vital tool for strengthening accountability, openness and ethical standards across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The BPSR helmsman said the state government’s effort at building stronger institutions for a more accountable and prosperous state and a culture of openness and responsibility that inspires public trust, has become a model to others.

Arabi, however, urged the state to sustain the feat and work towards full digitalisation of payroll management as well as record systems yet to be digitalised.

“I also call on the state to carryout a deep staff audit and do a skills gaps analysis to indicate where we need to improve and who we need to manage certain areas,” he said.

Mr Abubakar Hassan, Director-General, Gombe State BPSR, said the reforms were made possible as a result of the political will of the governor.

Hassan highlighted how the reforms helped improved the transparency rating of the state, stressing that many development partners were in the state because of the open governance style of the Yahaya-led administration.

According to Hassan, the government is working hard to replicate all reforms by the federal government at the state level to deliver better services to the people.

“Today, Gombe is a model because of our bold reforms initiated by Govenor Yahaya which has helped us in revenue collection, land administration, civil service digitalisation, budget process, elimination of ghost workers syndrome amongst others,” he said.

Hassan pledged to continue to initiate and implement reforms to build strong institutions, entrench the culture of open governance and inspire public trust.

FG hails Gombe’s public service reform

Security operatives recover 2,500 litres of hazardous chemicals in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

The police in Zamfara have recovered 2,500 litres of suspected hazardous and poisonous chemicals during a patrol operation in Gusau Local Government Area of the state.

A statement issued on Thursday in Gusau said the recovery was made on Jan. 28 at about 4:40 p.m. by operatives attached to the Anti-Illegal Mining Unit while on routine patrol at the Lalan area.

The chemicals were recovered in 100 jerricans, each containing 25 litres, and were believed to pose serious risks to public health and the environment.

Authorities said investigation had commenced to determine the source, ownership and intended use of the chemicals, with a view to identifying and prosecuting those responsible.

They urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or materials to security agencies to prevent threats to lives and property.

The statement added that efforts were being intensified to curb the circulation of dangerous substances and other activities capable of endangering public safety in the state.

Security operatives recover 2,500 litres of hazardous chemicals in Zamfara