Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has rolled out an ambitious ₦584.76 billion budget for 2025, aptly titled the “Budget of Recovery and Continuity.” This financial plan is focused on addressing the state’s critical needs in health, education, economic recovery, security, and infrastructure, cementing Borno’s path to post-insurgency recovery and growth.
The budget allocates ₦380.84 billion to capital projects and ₦203.92 billion to recurrent expenditure, showcasing greater focus on development. Governor Zulum highlighted that funding would be sourced from ₦311.70 billion in allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), ₦30.09 billion from internally generated revenue (IGR), and ₦237.96 billion from capital receipts, including grants.
A significant 15.39% of the budget, amounting to ₦89.97 billion, is dedicated to health, a sector poised for transformation. Key initiatives include constructing an Orthopaedic Hospital in Maiduguri, establishing General Hospitals in seven localities, rehabilitating facilities in Baga and Mulai, and completing the Borno State University Teaching Hospital. The administration also plans to expand the State Health Insurance Scheme to cover civil servants and vulnerable groups in all 27 Local Government Areas. Additionally, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency will revitalize 100 healthcare centers and establish 12 new ones.
Education is another cornerstone of the budget, receiving ₦69.81 billion. Governor Zulum’s plans include establishing a Second Chance School for out-of-school children, constructing five new Mega Schools and five Mega High Islamic Schools, and rehabilitating 50 existing schools. These initiatives shows his administration’s commitment to empowering the youth and improving literacy rates across Borno.
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In tackling food insecurity and fostering economic recovery, the budget outlines a ₦10 billion food procurement program, large-scale Firgi farming, and cultivating 150,000 hectares of farmland. The administration also aims to stimulate local economies, support small businesses, and attract investments to diversify the state’s revenue base.
Infrastructure development is equally prioritized, with ₦22 billion earmarked for rebuilding roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities damaged by insurgency. The governor also announced plans for a Maiduguri Dry Port, dualizing a 7.1 km stretch of Maiduguri-Biu Road, and constructing a six-span bridge across River Ngaddabul. Modernizing Borno Radio and Television (BRTV) is also part of the transformative agenda.
Despite challenges such as recent flood disasters, Zulum assured residents of his administration’s commitment to clearing pension and gratuity backlogs while maintaining the ₦72,000 minimum wage for civil servants and teachers.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, lauded the governor for his efforts in resettling Boko Haram victims and fostering cooperation between the legislature and the executive. He highlighted the passage of 12 new laws during the year aimed at improving governance and the well-being of citizens.
Governor Zulum’s 2025 budget reflects a bold vision to rebuild Borno as a model state of resilience and progress, reinforcing hope among citizens that recovery and continuity are achievable goals.
