Education, Health, Economic Growth Top Zulum’s ₦584.76bn 2025 Budget

The Governor of Borno, Professor Babagana Zulum, has presented the 2025 Budget, titled the “Budget of Recovery and Continuity,” with a total sum of ₦584.76 billion aimed at consolidating the state’s developmental strides.

The budget prioritizes health, education, and economic recovery, alongside critical investments in security, infrastructure, and social services.

The budget is divided into ₦380.84 billion for Capital Expenditure and ₦203.92 billion for Recurrent Expenditure.

It will be financed through a combination of Recurrent Revenue from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) amounting to ₦311.70 billion, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of ₦30.09 billion, and Capital Receipts of ₦237.96 billion, which include aid, grants, and a Capital Development Fund.

Governor Zulum disclosed that the health sector will receive ₦89.97 billion, accounting for 15.39% of the total budget. His robust healthcare agenda includes the construction of an Orthopaedic Hospital in Maiduguri, establishment of General Hospitals in several locations across the state, and the rehabilitation of hospitals in Baga and Mulai. Further, the Borno State University Teaching Hospital will be completed and commissioned, and the State Health Insurance Scheme will be expanded for civil servants and vulnerable citizens across the 27 Local Government Areas.

In the education sector, which has been allocated ₦69.81 billion, Governor Zulum highlighted plans to establish a new Second Chance School, build five additional Mega Schools and five Mega High Islamic Schools, and rehabilitate facilities in 50 schools across the state.

Governor Zulum also announced a ₦10 billion procurement of food items to address food insecurity. Plans for cultivating 100,000 hectares for rain-fed farming and 50,000 hectares for irrigation, as well as investment in large-scale Firgi farming, were also outlined. The government will invest in programs to stimulate local economic activities, support small businesses, and attract investment.

The budget further includes the release of ₦22 billion for victim support and the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities. Major projects include the establishment of the Maiduguri Dry Port, dualization of a 7.1km stretch of the Maiduguri-Biu Road, construction of a 6-span bridge across the Ngaddabul River, and modernization of Borno Radio and Television (BRTV).

Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing key challenges, including clearing the backlog of pensions and gratuities, and implementing the ₦72,000 minimum wage for civil servants and teachers, which has already commenced. He assured that despite the impact of the flood disaster, the government is dedicated to ensuring the welfare of pensioners and promoting the stability of Borno State.

Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, announced the passage of 12 laws aimed at promoting good governance and improving the lives of the people. He commended Governor Zulum for the resettlement of Boko Haram insurgency victims and praised the cooperative relationship between the legislature and executive.