…PDP opposition Lawmaker, Balami hails Zulum’s accountability framework

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State on Monday presented the sum of N890,331,686,000.00 budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, with the education sector received the highest allocation of N135 billion.

Tagged the ‘Budget of Sustained Recovery and Growth’, places the capital expenditure at over 61% of the total budget, while the recurrent expenditure is at about 39%.

This is as the lone Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opposition Lawmaker, representing Askira-Uba/ Hawul Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Dr. Usman Midala Balami who attended the budget presentation has hailed leadership of Governor Zulum for smooth implementation of the 2025 approved budget which has transformed the lives of the citizenry, as well as complemented his efforts in bringing dividends of democracy to his constituents.

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.

In his response, Speaker 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.

Meanwhile, in an interview with Journalists after the event, the lone serving Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opposition Lawmaker, representing Askira-Uba/ Hawul Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Dr. Usman Midala Balami commended the leadership style of Governor Zulum for smooth implementation of the 2025 approved budget which has transformed the lives of the citizenry, as well as complemented his efforts in bringing dividends of democracy to his constituents.

His words: ” It is imperative to know that development of our state or country is very critical to all political parties and stakeholders irrespectivebof where you come from. Therefore, as an opposition member, i felt it is good for me to attend this important event so as to hold government accountable to its people to ensure that development is FastTrack.

“This budget tagged ‘Budget of Sustained Recovery and Growth’ is apt and timely inline with the 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative and 25-Year Development Plan of the present administration. But for me, i want to nickname it as ‘Budget of Unity and Holistic Development’, this is because, all the sectors have been given much more priority by the Zulum administration.

“If you look at the Health, agriculture, Education and other sectors that triggers development, have received boost just like what happened in the last year budget implementation, and as PDP member, I want to salute and congratulate Governor Zulum and the good people of Borno state for all the developmental strides witnessed under the present administration.

“Although, I am a member of the opposition PDP, but when it come to development, political party membership shouldn’t have been the yardstick, but unity of purpose. The people of Borno state has never have it so good until now, and we shall continue to align with this government and always give our maximum support for Zulum to succeed.

“In the last two years of my leadership at the national assembly, you have witnessed all the tremendous efforts I did to the people of my constituency, and for me, I tends to measure development on the achievements of a good leader such as Governor Zulum who have touched almost all areas including my constituency, especially in the construction of Mega schools, hospitals, housing units, worship centres among other interventions which are glaringly visible in my constituency”. Balami stated.