Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, of Borno state, has requested an additional N61 billion to the state’s 2024 budget, bringing the total to N419.7 billion.
The initial N358.7 billion budget was, it would be recalled, to have been signed into law on January 10, 2024.
The governor’s request, which was presented to the Borno State House of Assembly by Speaker Abdulkarim Lawan, on Friday, seeks to amend the 2024 appropriation act.
The supplementary funds, according to the governor, are aimed at rebuilding critical infrastructure severely damaged by the September 10 flood, which affected nearly 2 million people and submerged parts of Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas.
Read also: Zulum assesses flood damage in Maiduguri, vows action on blocked waterways
The budget amendment, he said, will prioritize the reconstruction of roads, bridges, and other key public facilities.
In addition to infrastructure, the funds, according to him, will also be allocated for emergency relief, humanitarian aid, support for farmers, economic recovery, and environmental management efforts in the state.
The governor, as observed by The Trumpet, recently toured the affected areas to assess the damage, noting the extensive destruction caused by the flood.
The Borno State House of Assembly expressed sympathy to the flood victims and commended the efforts of local and international organizations, medical personnel, security agencies, and other stakeholders in alleviating the suffering of those affected.
