Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has presented an N899.33 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, with a focus on education, infrastructure development, and security.
The budget, tagged the “Budget of Sustained Recovery and Growth“, allocates N135 billion to the education sector, making it the highest single-sector allocation. This funding will be used for the construction of new schools, rehabilitation of destroyed facilities, scholarship programmes, and recruitment of teachers across the state.
For a state that has endured years of insurgency, displacement, and destruction, this budget is more than just numbers on paper—it is a statement of intent, a blueprint for healing, and a commitment to building back what was lost.
The works and housing sector received N94.27 billion, dedicated to the construction of urban and rural roads, building new bridges, and executing major housing projects for residents and civil servants.
The health sector was allocated N66.4 billion, expected to fund the completion and equipping of ongoing hospital projects and procurement of essential drugs.
Other key allocations include N58.71 billion to the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement (RRR) for the return of internally displaced persons to their rebuilt communities; N44.95 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture to boost food security and support farmers; and N21.35 billion to the Ministry of Water Resources.
These allocations reflect the practical realities of a state still recovering from conflict. Schools need to be rebuilt because they were burnt. Roads need to be constructed because they were destroyed.
Communities need to be resettled because families were forced to flee. And all of this requires not just money but sustained political will and effective execution.
Governor Zulum projected total revenue of N317.69 billion from the Federation Account, N44.3 billion from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and estimated capital receipts of N417.23 billion, encompassing aid, grants, and the Capital Development Fund.
In his address, Governor Zulum stated that the budget reflects his administration’s commitment to long-term development and infrastructure renewal, crucial for a state recovering from insurgency.
“This budget stands as a testament to our steadfast dedication to fostering sustained recovery and growth, even in the face of challenges,” he said. “It embodies our resolute pledge to rebuild our communities, restore economic vitality, and secure a safer and more prosperous future for every citizen.”
The Governor’s words were measured but firm, reflecting a leadership style that has earned him respect not just in Borno, but across Nigeria.
Unlike many state executives who present budgets heavy on promises but light on action, Zulum has built a reputation for following through—sleeping in recovered towns, meeting IDPs in camps, and personally overseeing reconstruction efforts.
The education sector’s massive allocation is particularly significant. For years, Boko Haram’s war was also a war on schools. Teachers were killed, students were abducted, and classrooms were reduced to rubble.
By prioritising education, Governor Zulum is not just rebuilding infrastructure—he is investing in the future, ensuring that the next generation of Borno’s children have a fighting chance.
The N58.71 billion allocated to the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement signals the administration’s determination to bring displaced persons home. Thousands of families are still living in camps, waiting for the day they can return to their ancestral lands. This budget is meant to make that day come sooner.
Agriculture, too, received substantial attention with N44.95 billion. Borno was once the breadbasket of the Northeast, known for its farming and fishing communities.
Insurgency disrupted that as reported by The Gazette. Now, as peace gradually returns, reviving agriculture is not just about food security—it is about restoring dignity and livelihoods to farmers who lost everything.
Speaker of the House of Assembly Abdulkarim Lawan assured Governor Zulum of the Assembly’s swift and diligent scrutiny of the budget proposal, pledging a detailed review to ensure it aligns with the state’s developmental needs before passage.
“We recognise the urgency and importance of this budget,” Speaker Lawan said. “Our duty is to ensure it serves the people of Borno effectively, and we will discharge that duty with the seriousness it deserves.”
As Borno moves into 2026, the big question remains: Can this budget deliver on its promises? The state has made progress, yes. Reclaimed towns, reopened schools, and resettled displaced people. However, challenges remain—security threats persist, economic hardship weighs heavily, and the scars of conflict are deep.
What is clear, however, is that under Governor Zulum’s leadership, Borno is not waiting for the ideal time to rebuild. It is currently rebuilding with what it has, one budget, project, and community at a time.
And for the people of Borno, this is more than just hope; it is action.
This report was produced by the editorial team at The Gazette News | Latest News In Nigeria & the World in line with our commitment to accuracy, fairness, and responsible journalism. Information in this article is based on verified sources available at the time of publication. The Gazette News | Latest News In Nigeria & the World may update the story as new facts emerge or additional context becomes available.
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