Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has approved an upward review of the monthly allowances paid to volunteers under the Borno Youth Empowerment Scheme, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Vigilantes, Hunters and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
The review raises the monthly allowance for each volunteer from N30,000 to N₦l50,000, while leaders of the volunteer groups will now receive N150,000 monthly. The adjustment brings the state’s total monthly expenditure on the volunteers to N232.4 million.
The approval was disclosed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, who said the revised allowances have already started reflecting in the beneficiaries’ accounts.
According to the statement, the decision shows the commitment of the State Government to supporting volunteers who risk their lives daily to protect communities and sustain peace across the state.
The CJTF, Vigilantes, Hunters and Neighbourhood Watch groups have played a critical role in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency, working alongside the Nigerian military and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in Borno.
Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Zulum has consistently reviewed the welfare of the volunteers. Their monthly allowance was increased from N15,000 to N20,000 at the start of his administration and later raised to N₦l30,000, which has been paid consistently until the latest review.
The government noted that rising living costs, prevailing economic realities and increased operational risks necessitated the new adjustment.
Read Also:
- Zulum condemns Maiduguri mosque attack, urges vigilance
- Zulum visits frontline troops in Borno community
- Zulum commissions second chance school for vulnerable girls, disburses N1bn to SMEs in Borno
Commending the volunteers for their gallantry and resilience, Governor Zulum said the increase was in recognition of their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to peace and security in the state.
The new allowance structure will take effect from this month (January), with a total of 45 leaders benefiting from the leadership allowance.
The enhanced welfare package is expected to boost morale, improve operational effectiveness and strengthen the resolve of the volunteers to continue supporting security operations.
Their contributions include the arrest of key insurgent commanders and the provision of actionable intelligence that has helped prevent attacks and protect lives and property across Borno State.
Governor Zulum urged the volunteers to remain disciplined, recommit themselves to duty and sustain collaboration with security agencies in the collective effort to entrench peace, stability and development in the state.
