Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has officially signed the 2025 budget, valued at N615.8 billion, into law. The budget, aptly titled “Budget of Recovery and Continuity,” is strategically designed to complete ongoing projects and deliver on the campaign promises that secured Zulum’s re-election in 2023.
Initially presented as a budget estimate of N584.76 billion on December 9, 2024, the appropriation bill received an additional boost of N31 billion after deliberations by the Borno State House of Assembly. The revised budget was approved on December 24, 2024. Governor Zulum expressed gratitude to the Assembly for its swift approval, emphasizing the importance of the year ahead in fulfilling his electoral promises.
“This year is very important for me because I want to complete all my promises made during the 2023 electioneering campaigns,” Zulum declared.
The governor called on the heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the state executive council, to strictly adhere to the budget’s provisions in the execution of projects. He also commended the Assembly, led by Speaker Abdulkarim Lawan, for its unwavering support in driving the state’s developmental agenda.
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Speaker Lawan lauded Governor Zulum’s commitment to impactful governance and acknowledged the Assembly’s decision to increase the budget. The upward review was aimed at addressing critical projects that directly benefit the people of Borno State.
In a related announcement, Governor Zulum named Dr. Mustapha Mallumbe, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, as the Deputy Chief of Staff. This appointment is to temporarily fill the void created by the medical leave of the current Chief of Staff, Professor Hussaini Marte, who is expected to resume duties by mid-year.
“I have appointed Dr. Babagana Mallumbe, who is also a cabinet member, as Deputy Chief of Staff to ensure there is no vacuum,” Zulum stated.