Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has unveiled the 2025 fiscal proposal, aptly titled the “Budget of Recovery and Continuity,” amounting to ₦584.76 billion. This budget seeks to advance development efforts in the state, particularly in sectors like health, education, and economic revitalization. It allocates ₦380.84 billion for Capital Expenditure and ₦203.92 billion for Recurrent Expenditure. Funding sources include ₦311.70 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), ₦30.09 billion from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and ₦237.96 billion from Capital Receipts, including grants and aid.
The health sector emerges as a key focus, receiving ₦89.97 billion or 15.39% of the total budget. Planned initiatives include constructing an Orthopaedic Hospital in Maiduguri, creating new General Hospitals across the state, and completing the Borno State University Teaching Hospital. The expansion of the State Health Insurance Scheme is also prioritized to benefit both civil servants and vulnerable groups.
In education, the state will allocate ₦69.81 billion to enhance learning infrastructure. Planned projects include building five additional Mega Schools, establishing a new Second Chance School, and rehabilitating 50 existing schools. These efforts aim to address gaps in education access and quality.
To combat food insecurity, ₦10 billion will be spent on food procurement. Governor Zulum also emphasized agricultural expansion through the cultivation of 150,000 hectares of farmland, including large-scale Firgi farming. Further investment will support small businesses and attract economic activities.
Infrastructure rehabilitation, especially in areas affected by insurgency, will also be a priority. Highlights include constructing a 6-span bridge across the Ngaddabul River and the dualization of key roadways. Governor Zulum reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing pension arrears and implementing the ₦72,000 minimum wage policy to enhance civil service welfare.
The Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, applauded these initiatives while noting the legislature’s support through laws designed to foster good governance and public well-being. This comprehensive budget underscores Borno’s resilience and commitment to sustainable development amid ongoing challenges.