By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Monday, December 29, 2025, presented a 2026 Appropriation Bill of N890.331606B to the Borno State House of Assembly, BOHA, proposing a budget anchored on sustained recovery and growth.
QThe proposed budget comprises N536B for capital expenditure and N353B for recurrent expenditure, reflecting the administration’s focus on infrastructure development, economic recovery, and social services.
The 2026 proposal represents an increase of over N275B compared to the 2025 budget of N615.8B, a rise the governor said is necessary to consolidate post conflict recovery and accelerate development across critical sectors.
A breakdown of the budget shows that education received N135B, while works was allocated N58.2B Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and resettlement received N58B, health N56B, and Informations and Internal Security N56B. Agriculture was allocated N49B, while Government House received N43B respectively.
Other key allocations include fisheries and livestock with N30B, Ministry of youth, sports and poverty reduction N25B, Ministry of water resources N21B, Trade and Investment N20B, environment and transport N17B each, and the local government service commission N15B. Women affairs received N16B, religious affairs N13B, Ministry of Justice N12B, Finance budget and planning N7B, while the office of the head of service, evaluation N2.6B each.
Presenting a review of the 2025 fiscal year, Governor Zulum commended the Borno State House of Assembly for its support, understanding, and cooperation, describing the relationship between the executive and legislature as cordial and productive.
He disclosed that the state government employed 30 medical doctors from Arab Republic of Egypt 15 of them already on ground and the remaining are expected to resume work soon they’re specialists, in the field of neurology and orthopaedical experts, will also train local doctors for two to three years, while funds have been set aside in foreign currency to ensure continuity and retention by future administration. Adding that the money will. Be kept in USD for the foreign doctors salaries and allowances.
The governor said about N12B was spent upgrading the General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport Maiduguri to international to boost business activities and economic opportunities. He added that Umrah pilgrims would begin direct departures from Maiduguri during the coming Ramadan, while arrangements had been concluded with UMZA Air, with federal government support, to resume Maiduguri to N’Djamena flights.
Governor Zulum also said the state sponsored the training of 54 pilots at a Lagos based aviation school owned by a Borno indigene, Isaac Balami, noting that the decision was taken to strengthen local capacity rather than sending trainees abroad.
He further disclosed that modern medical equipment worth about N21B had been installed at the Kashim Ibrahim Teaching Hospital and would be commissioned within two months, a development expected to end medical tourism for MRI and other advanced services.
On infrastructure and flood control, the governor said contracts worth N14B had been awarded for drainage projects to address flooding in areas including Bulumkutu and Ngomari, while the southern bypass road project is nearing completion.
Governor Zulum added that Borno now hosts a plastic production FACILITY, stressing that TATABE Company producing plastic products and bags for local use and export, while the administration will continue to invest heavily in security.
He disclosed that one higher institution will be established in 2026 each senatorial district, will. Be given one and that of Borno central will be constructed Dikwa offering diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes in computer studies.
The governor also announced plans to construct 10 new primary healthcare centres in 2026 to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
