By Gbenga Akingbule
The streets of Maiduguri , the Borno State capital was on Monday filled with sea of enthusiastic supporters as Governor Zulum presented the N890.33 billion 2026 appropriation bill to the state House of Assembly.
Gatekeepers News reports that the massive turnout, with citizens from all walks of life, underscores the governor’s popularity and the public’s eagerness for development in the state.
As Governor Zulum’s motorcade left the Government House en route to the State House of Assembly, the crowd surged forward, taking turns to cheer and commend him for the numerous development projects across the state.
60-year-old Yachellu Mustapha was among the throng of supporters, beaming with gratitude. “The governor’s free eye surgery program restored my sight!” she exclaimed. “Zulum’s dedication to healthcare in Borno is unmatched!”
Usman Hamisu 40 , another Zulum supporter said , “Zulum’s infrastructural development has transformed Borno, We want him to keep the progress going.”
The budget presentation has sparked hope for improved living standards and economic growth in the state. With the support of the people, Zulum’s administration is poised to drive progress in the state.
While presenting N890,331,686,000.00 budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, with the education sector receiving the highest single-sector allocation of N135 billion.
Tagged the “Budget of Sustained Recovery and Growth,” it places the capital expenditure at over 61% of the total budget, while the recurrent expenditure is at about 39%.
In his address before the House of Assembly, Zulum detailed the budget’s composition, announcing a total recurrent expenditure of N353,767,349,000.00 and a higher capital expenditure of N536564,337,000.00.
The budget structure, he stated, underscored his administration’s commitment to long-term development and infrastructure renewal, crucial for a state on a sustained path of recovery from insurgency.
“Mr Speaker, Honourable Members, this budget stands as a testament to our steadfast dedication to fostering sustained recovery and growth, even in the face of challenges. It embodies our resolute pledge to rebuild our communities, restore economic vitality, and secure a safer and more prosperous future for every citizen,” Zulum said.
Breaking down the sectoral allocations, the governor highlighted key ministries that received substantial portions of the capital vote.
The education sector emerged top with a combined allocation of N135,430,647,000.00. This fund is earmarked for the construction of new schools, the rehabilitation of destroyed facilities, scholarship programmes and the recruitment of teachers across the state.
Following closely was the works and housing sector which received N 94,270,541,000.00. This allocation is dedicated to continuing the aggressive construction of urban and rural roads, building new bridges, and executing major housing projects for the residents and civil servants.
The health sector was allocated N66,408,136,000.00 which is expected to fund the completion and equipping of ongoing hospital projects as well as the procurement of essential drugs.
Other sectors with significant allocations include the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement (RRR) (N58,710,006,000.00) which remains critical for the returning of internally displaced persons to their rebuilt communities; the Ministry of Information and Internal Security, which will consolidate the gains of 2025 activities and navigate on new grounds that would explore more frontiers of operation, Agriculture (N44,947,429,000) to boost food security and support farmers and the Ministry of Water Resources with N21,353,536,000.00.
The governor projected total revenue of N317,688,140,000.00 for the year from the Federation Account, N44,300,801,000.00 from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and estimated capital receipts for the year of N417,226,513,000.00, which encompasses Aid, Grants and the Capital Development Fund.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan assured the governor of the Assembly’s swift and diligent scrutiny of the budget proposal. He pledged that the legislature would conduct a detailed review to ensure it aligns with the state’s developmental needs before passage.
